30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PIPER ALPHA DISASTER

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.