Offshore staff
LONDON – There were no reported fatalities on the UK continental shelf (UKCS) last year, according to the 2016 Oil & Gas UK Health & Safety Report.
Reportable injury rates for the offshore oil and gas industry were also lower than other industries such as manufacturing, construction, retail and education, while the lost time injury frequency rate on theUKCS was below the European average and lower than in Norway, Denmark, and Ireland.
Also down was the number of dangerous occurrences, including fires or explosions, dropped objects and weather damage, with incidents down by 30% between 2013 and 2015.
One exception was oil and gas releases which rose slightly - the majority were minor, while major releases remained the same.
The increase in minor releases may be down to the fact that operators are increasingly using technology that helps detect the smallest of escapes. In addition, new reporting criteria came into effect during the second half of 2015 that included releases not deemed reportable under previous legislation.
The report said the industry has worked hard to reverse the increase in its safety-critical maintenance backlog.
Mick Borwell, health, safety and environment policy director atOil & Gas UK, said: “This is a testing time for the industry and our commitment to safety has at times been questioned. However, our report demonstrates that safe operations continue to be intrinsic to how we go about our activities on the UK continental shelf, regardless of the oil price.
“It shows that the UK sector is focusing in the right areas and overall is heading in the right direction. The report is also a reminder that there is no place for compromise or complacency and that safety must remain at the top of our agenda.”
08/08/2016
Share your news withOffshore at [email protected]
