The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today expressed concern at the continuing number of major and significant hydrocarbon releases in the offshore industry, often regarded as precursors to a major accident.

Figures released by the HSE revealed that there had been no improvement in the number of this kind of incident during 2007/08.

During the year, 517 dangerous incidents were reported, 40% of which were hydrocarbon releases.

Chair of the Health and Safety Executive Judith Hackitt issued a reminder to the offshore industry: "The statistics we have release today underline that we are far from being in a position where we can feel comfortable. Although there are instances where improvements have been sustained, the control of potential major incident risks seems to have taken a back seat."

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"We continue to be concerned at the failure to reduce the number of hydrocarbon releases, together with an increase in the number of major injuries. This suggests that basic safety systems are not being followed."

Ms Hackitt advised that HSE has been tasked to complete a major review of the industry and said: "Twenty years on from Piper Alpha, we must learn key lessons to ensure that failures of basic systems do not lead to major incidents. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, has asked us to conduct a thorough review of the industry following the KP3 report on asset integrity published last year. This industry review will be a crucial part of our ongoing work in this high priority programme."

"With the demand for oil and gas so high and with assets being worked beyond their original intended life span, it is more important than ever that the offshore industry continues to invest in the sector to protect its workers and puts safety first."

The Offshore Safety Statistics also indicated that the in 2007/08, the lowest rate ever had been recorded for the number of minor three day injuries at 148, and although it had remained broadly the same for the last six years, this was a significant achievement from the peak of nearly 300 in 1997/98.

(GK/JM)