HEALTH & SAFETY REPORT 2014
page 6
TheHSE Key Programme 4 (KP4) focused three years of regulatory inspection effort on the industry’smanagement
of ageing and life extension (ALE). This programme drew to a close in December 2013 with the final report
published in May 2014. The report states that the industry has responded well to KP4 and has many effective
strategies and practices in place to ensure the safe, long-term operation of offshore installations. Oil & Gas UK
will continue to cooperate with the HSE and to implement a range of improvement recommendations set out
in the report. Oil & Gas UK will also publish further good practice ALE guidance.
From a health and safety performance perspective, 2013 tells a mixed story. The national statistics published by
the HSE demonstrate that the offshore oil and gas industry continues to perform better than many less hazardous
industrial sectors, and has achieved 35 per cent better performance than the ‘all industries’ average. However,
within this overall positive picture, safety trends within the industry have fluctuated. Key metrics of reportable
injuries and dangerous occurrences have shown relatively minor deterioration in 2013 compared to 2012.
Meanwhile, in April 2013, the industry confirmed that it had achieved a 49 per cent reduction in hydrocarbon
releases, narrowly missing a target reduction of 50 per cent over a three-year period. The industry then set itself a
new target of a further 50 per cent reduction in the next three years. Regrettably, however, hydrocarbon release
performance for the remainder of 2013 was less encouraging, with an increase in the total number of releases
recorded; although, this masks a decrease in the number of major and significant releases recorded in the same
period. Nevertheless, both the regulator and industry are now refocusing attention and effort on hydrocarbon
release prevention strategies and programmes.
All of these matters are expanded upon within this report and as always we hope that you find the publication
interesting and informative. Any queries on content or feedback should be directed initially to Robert Paterson,
Oil & Gas UK’s health, safety and employment issues director, on
.
Robert Paterson
Health, Safety and Employment Issues Director, Oil & Gas UK
