Work accident rates could reduce after oil and gas leak improvements

The chance of a work accident taking place on an offshore oil and gas rig has reduced after the number of leaks on these facilities was cut.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that there were 73 major or significant hydrocarbon releases in 2010/11, compared with 85 in the previous year.

It added that for the fourth year running there were no deaths during offshore activities which were regulated by the government body, while the number of major injuries was also cut.

Steve Walker, head of offshore safety at the HSE, said: "This year's statistics are a step in the right direction. It is encouraging that this is the fourth consecutive year with no reportable fatalities and a reduction in major injuries. But there is still much work to be done."

Robert Paterson, health and safety director of Oil & Gas UK, added that the figures reflected the "significant effort" made to reduce the number of work accidents in the industry.

Published by Rob Stanworth