Dangerous incidents in the offshore oil and gas industry on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) have declined by 30% between 2013 and 2015.

According to a new report by Oil & Gas UK, incidents such as major oil and gas releases, fires or explosions, dropped objects and weather damage had all decreased from previous years.

In addition, there were no reported fatalities and reportable injury rates were lower than other sectors such as manufacturing, construction, retail and education.

While the report recorded a 9% rise in minor oil and gas releases, Oil & Gas UK said this could be down to more operators using technology that helps detect the smallest of escapes. In addition, new guidelines includes releases that were not deemed reportable under previous legislation.


Other key features of the report includes a 20% decline in the specified injury rate while the over-seven-day injury rate is now at its lowest since 1995/96.

Mick Borwell, health, safety and environment policy director at Oil & Gas UK, said: "I am pleased to say there were no reported fatalities on the UK Continental Shelf in 2015. Health and Safety Executive statistics in our report show that the industry non-fatal injury rate and the over-seven-day and specified injuries rates also decreased.

"This favourable performance reflects well on the contributions from everyone involved – offshore and onshore – and their unstinting efforts to manage and control hazards and to continually improve safety performance."

(LM/MH)