Reported dangerous occurrences rose by 5 per cent to 509 in 2007/08, compared with the 485 incidents noted in 2006/07, according to the HSE’s latest Offshore Injury and Incident Statistics. Hydrocarbon releases accounted for nearly 40 per cent of all dangerous occurrences, reflecting the potential risk of explosion and fire on offshore installations.
There were no fatal injuries during the year, but the number of major injuries increased by five to 44, and the major injury rate per 100,000 workers increased 13 per cent to 156.4. However, by contrast, both the number and the rate of over-three-day injuries fell by nearly 10 per cent.
In terms of the nature of accidents, 58 (30 per cent) of all injuries were from being struck by moving, flying, or falling objects; 27 per cent of all injuries were associated with handling, lifting or carrying activities; and 17 per cent were the result of slips, trips or falls.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the HSE’s website via the link below.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/offshore
