Thompsons Solicitors Managing Partner in Aberdeen, Chris Gordon has backed a call by the Health and Safety Executive for more focus on safety standards in the North Sea.
Steve Walker head of the Health and Safety Executive’s offshore division warned that a sharp increase in gas releases and accidents in the North Sea should act as a wake-up call to the industry.
He revealed that in April and June there were 21 significant hydrocarbon releases and 14 major incidents on North Sea installations compared with 61 gas leaks and 30 major incidents for the whole of last year.
Mr Gordon said: “These are alarming statistics, and a stern reminder of just what a dangerous environment the North Sea can be for off-shore workers.
“It’s an issue that has to be addressed at every level, from the workers themselves through their unions’ health and safety representatives to management at all levels.”
Mr Gordon represents a number of families of the victims of the Bond Super Puma helicopter which plunged into the North Sea in Aril this year with the loss of 16 lives.
