Thursday 26 February 2004

UKOOA Statement Regarding HSE Safety Statistics

Safety statistics released today (24 February 2004) by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for the UK offshore oil and gas industry show a welcome fall in the number of dangerous occurrences and over three day injuries, but the rise in major injuries is very disappointing, says the UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA).

Malcolm Webb, UKOOAs Chief Executive, said:

The latest offshore safety figures show that despite the tremendous effort being made to improve our industrys safety performance, people are still being hurt, and in some cases seriously. The three tragic fatalities within the last twelve months are a sober reminder that safety must come first in the hazardous offshore environment.

The figures have already been discussed at the highest level within UKOOA while the Step Change strategy for 2004 recognises the need for even greater effort on the part of industry. There will be a specific focus on personal accountability for safety (at all levels), risk assessment and learning from near misses and accidents with a high potential for injury.

For more information, please call 020 7802 2400.

NOTE TO EDITORS

1. The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) is the representative organisation for oil and gas companies licensed by the UK government to explore for and produce hydrocarbons offshore around the British Isles. It has 30 members.