Concern at relaxation of offshore safety duty

New offshore regulations have come in for union criticism.

The Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005, which too effect on 7 April, require employers to carry out a review of their safety cases at least every five years; the previous maximum interval was three years. The Health and Safety Executive must accept a safety case before an offshore installation can operate in UK waters.

Graham Tran, regional officer for professional union Amicus, said he was disappointed with the new regulations, arguing that in some respects they dilute the responsibilities of dutyholders.