A new inspection programme has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in order to ensure the wellbeing of workers in the oil and gas sector.
According to the organisation, many platforms have outlived their original design specifications following 40 years of operation in the North Sea.
While it noted most are expected to continue producing the natural resources, the HSE noted it is important to ensure rigs are still maintained to the highest standards.
Steve Walker, head of offshore safety for the body, stated it is a problem that has been discussed for some time.
"Ageing offshore installations run the risk of deterioration, which can have serious consequences for installation and asset integrity," he went on to say.
The news follows BP’s recent announcement that it has plugged the Gulf of Mexico oil leak that stemmed from the collapse of the Deepwater Horizon platform, which killed 11 people.
Posted by Hayley Edwards