Workforce input is needed for offshore safety

Delegates at the "Play Your Part" Offshore Workforce Involvement Day have been told that everyone involved in the offshore oil sector can help improve health and safety standards.

The event has been organised by the Workforce Involvement Group, a sub-group of the Offshore Industry Advisory Committee and has drawn delegates from across the offshore oil sector.

Presentations will include a sharing of experiences, discussion on how health and safety standards can be improved and descriptions of initiatives implemented by companies themselves.

Danny Carrigan, a non-executive member of the Health and Safety Executive Board said companies should take the opportunity to share knowledge and involve the workforce in any plans and discussions.

"The offshore industry is facing growing challenges. The offshore workforce is not only the eyes and ears of the offshore industry, but also the means by which the most effective communications can be achieved and good and best practice identified and shared," he said.

In 2006 an inquiry heard that two deaths which occurred on a North Sea platform could have been avoided had a suitable risk assessment of the area been carried out.