£75,000 fine after oil rig fatality

Aberdeen-based Diamond Offshore Drilling (UK) Ltd was fined £75,000 at Aberdeen Sheriff's Court on 7 March following the death of oil rig worker, Peter Gray. The fatal accident happened on 18 May 2000 during routine lifting operations on the Diamond Princess drilling rig.

The company pleaded guilty at the Sheriff's Court to a charge under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW), in that the company failed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of one of its employees while at work. Section 2(1) of the HSW Act states that "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."

The HSE publication - 'Technical guidance on the safe use of lifting equipment offshore' (HSG221) (ISBN 0 7176 2100 6, £15) - can be ordered on 01787 881165.
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