HSE documents name North Sea platforms with lifeboat and training failures
Ithaca Energy, TAQA and Apache installations named in HSE documents.
Health, Safety & Environment
Exclusive: Over a third of North Sea workers too heavy for lifeboats
‘Angst’ as new HSE data finds 36% of UK offshore workers now above 100kg maximum weight threshold.
The gift of safeguarding wellbeing
The holiday season is upon us, and while it's often considered ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, it can also be one of the most stressful and overwhelming for some, if not many.
Learning from the past: Enhancing diver safety in challenging environments
In the world of commercial diving, especially in saturation environments, safety is of utmost importance.
Engineer who lost arm while working on North Sea wind turbine wins compensation
Darren Hoadley wins compensation from employer Siemens Gamesa after losing his arm in a 2018 accident installing a wind turbine in the Belgian North Sea
Leading North Sea safety advocate embarks on new consulting journey
Leading North Sea offshore workplace safety advocate Steve Rae has announced the next phase of his career after finishing his role at Step Change in Safety.
HSE slams Apache as 26,000 hours of safety-critical work left unchecked
HSE inspectors have found nearly 26,000 hours of safety-critical maintenance work left outstanding across several Apache North Sea platforms.
North Sea offshore medics looking to unionise, fight for increased pay
Offshore medics based in the North Sea are making efforts to unionise over dissatisfaction with pay and conditions.
Industry collaboration is required to change minds and save lives
As an industry, we’ve made good progress in mental health support, but we need to do more. According to a study by the International SOS Foundation, which looked at the mental health vulnerabilities for remote and rotational workers, 40% of respondents experience suicidal thoughts while on duty.
Winter Preparedness: Ensuring Energy Workers’ Health in Cold Environments
Winter poses a unique set of challenges for the energy sector, especially for those stationed on offshore assets. As the temperature drops, energy workers face increased health risks in cold environments, a concern that should not be taken lightly.
2020 Norway emergency helicopter landing caused by washer left in gearbox
An emergency helicopter landing in Stavanger in 2020 was caused by a misplaced washer left in its gearbox, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSA) has found.
Offshore workers who shed pounds highlight risks of industry weight gain
Offshore medical evacs and the “invisible cost” of onshore staff absences can be reduced by healthy lifestyles.
Industry says parts shortage affecting North Sea helicopters not a safety concern
"At the most extreme it has meant that some operators were not able to fly their intended programme", said one analyst
‘It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s something you have to address’
An offshore safety specialist has added mental health support to its offering in recognition of the important role it plays in workplace health.
HSE serves notice against Stena Drilling over legionella risk
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to Stena Drilling relating to potential risks of legionella bacteria exposure on its Stena Don installation.
Workplace Health in the UK: Why Health Surveillance is a Must
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), approximately 1.8 million people suffered from a work-related illness in the UK in the fiscal year 2021/22.
“No quick fix”: Industry reacts to offshore workers’ weight gain
Our readers share their own health stories and safety concerns.
Pair of North Sea divers sanctioned for fraud
HSE and the Police worked to strip the divers of their qualifications, both of whom worked for North Sea contractors.
Safety notice issued after Survitec lifeboat fails to inflate
A safety alert has been issued after a lifeboat supplied by offshore safety equipment firm Survitec failed to inflate in an emergency.
Perenco served three safety notices over state of North Sea platform
Oil and gas firm Perenco has been hit with a trio of safety improvement notices over the state of one of its Southern North Sea platforms.
Worker suffers ‘serious’ injuries after gas release on North Sea drilling rig
As a result the accident Norwegian contractor Island Drilling has been hit with an improvement notice.
Offshore worker subject to ‘threats and bullying’ after flagging safety concerns on Cygnus platform
Lifting engineer James King said he has suffered lasting mental health issues and awaits the results of an unresolved investigation after he flagged safety problems during work offshore.
Integrity HSE startup boosts first-year target to £1.2m
An energy safety consultancy has increased its targets just four months since launch amid a growth drive and a push into renewables.
Investigation continues six months after North Sea worker went missing
Investigations are continuing six months after worker Jason Thomas went missing from the Valaris 121 North Sea oil rig.
Owner of ship that crashed into Rough platform hit with improvement notice
A Norwegian vessel operator has been told to up its game after one of its ships crashed into a Southern North Sea platform.