30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PIPER ALPHA DISASTER

Motion Text

That this House notes with sadness the 30th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster which claimed the lives of 167 offshore workers on 6 July 1988; extends a message of condolence and support to the families, friends and workmates affected by this profound and enduring loss; further notes that Lord Cullen's report into the disaster made 106 recommendations to repair and improve the safety culture in the UK's offshore oil and gas industry; welcomes the progress made by employers and workers to implement Lord Cullen's recommendations; notes the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) recent call on North Sea installation owners to state how they intend to further reduce hydrocarbon releases, particularly those with major accident potential; notes the ongoing delay in publication of the updated workforce engagement guide for HSE inspectors; believes that better enforcement of regulations governing safety committees and workforce safety representatives on installations is essential to the continuous improvement of the offshore safety culture recommended by Lord Cullen; and calls on the Government to better regulate the offshore business environment in the interests of safer working and employment practices on installations and in the supply chain.