Freelance

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Jamie Hailstone is a freelance journalist and author, who has also contributed to numerous national business titles including Utility Week, the Municipal Journal, Environment Journal and consumer titles such as Classic Rock.
May 8, 2018

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Offshore

North Sea safety is ‘paramount’ says Sturgeon

Scotland’s first minister has insisted the safety of offshore workers in the North Sea must be paramount, as the 30th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster approaches.

Nicola Sturgeon was quizzed last week on the subject, during a debate in the Scottish Parliament by the Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald.

Mr Macdonald asked if the first minister was aware that the HSE has written to all offshore oil and gas production operators regarding hydrocarbon releases (HCRs) in the North Sea, which in some instances can cause fires or even explosions.

The Labour MSP also quoted recent research by the quality assurance company DNV GL, which showed 46% of senior bosses in the oil and gas sector believe there has been underinvestment in inspection and maintenance over the last few years.

He also mentioned a report by researchers at Robert Gordon University, which claims three weeks on/off rotas are causing offshore workers “substantial fatigue and psychological distress”.

“In the run-up to the 30th anniversary of Piper Alpha, what reassurance can she give offshore workers that her government is alive to those concerns and will support trade unions and United Kingdom and Scottish regulators in seeking to ensure the safety possible working environment for Scottish workers offshore?” asked Mr Macdonald.

In response, Ms Sturgeon said her “overriding message” is that safety in the North Sea is “paramount”.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring that the safety of those who offshore is paramount,” added the first minister. “That was a regular area of discussion at the oil and gas task force.

“The Scottish Government has supported, and will continue to support, trade unions in raising any concerns with operators in the North Sea,” she added.

“I expect any recommendations that the HSE makes to be taken seriously and implemented. If Lewis Macdonald wants to raise specific concerns, I would be happy to look into them further.”

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