Health and Safety Executive statement on 20th anniversary of Piper Alpha

Commenting on the 20th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster where 167 people lost their lives in a major offshore explosion, Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Health and Safety Executive said.

“On the 20th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster we remember all those who were involved; those who lost their lives, their families and those who were injured. HSE’s Offshore Division was established as a result of the inquiry into the tragedy and since that time many lessons have been learned and there has been a considerable improvement in offshore safety.

Today, the offshore industry is as important to the UK as ever and safety must remain paramount in this challenging and harsh environment. HSE’s own work has identified that more needs to be done to maintain the integrity of an ageing infrastructure and continue to reduce the risks for those working offshore – our KP3 report last year identified the need for greater leadership, more good practice sharing and improved worker involvement.

HSE will continue to work closely with employers, employees and their representative organisations to drive up standards of health and safety in the offshore industry. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, has asked us to carry out a review of progress in offshore safety since the publication of KP3. This will be a fitting and timely way to ensure that no-one becomes complacent and that we all maintain vigilance to ensure that the lessons of the Piper Alpha tragedy are never forgotten.”