The deaths of two North-East oil rig workers almost four years ago could have been prevented, according to a fatal accident report published yesterday.
Richard King, 56, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, and Roland Duffell, 40, of Alnwick, Northumberland, died in an explosion on the Glomar Arctic IV rig in July 1998.
The structure was undergoing maintenance work in Dundee harbour at the time of the accident.
In his report, Sheriff Andrew Davidson said the accidents could have been prevented if there had been proper risk assessments, better training and clearer understanding of existing company policy.
The men died when a mixture of propane and air ignited inside the rig, causing an explosion and fire, the report said.
The maintenance firm, McGregor Energy Services, and Global Marine, the rig's operators, were later fined after admitting breaching health and safety regulations.
GMB Northern regional secretary Kevin Curran said: "There needs to be root and branch changes to the management of health and safety in the offshore industry."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article