OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS REPRESENTATIVES

The Offshore Installations (Safety Representatives and Safety Committees) Regulations 1989 (SI971) have been around a long time, but have never been more important. After nearly two years of low manning and low activity, we are now seeing installations across the North Sea being pushed to the limit to maximise returns from the high oil and gas prices. Evidence seen by RMT suggests this maximizing of profits could be impacting on safe operations as regular maintenance of safety critical equipment is pushed back. We are aware of a significant problem with the backlog of maintenance and this poses a serious threat to the safety of offshore operations.

You have the right under SI971 to raise legitimate concerns with your Trade Union representative and we ask every RMT Safety Rep out there to exercise your right. You can pick up the phone and get the RMT office at 01224 582688 or the Regional Organiser at 07711 359705. You can email the Aberdeen office at: M.Brown@rmt.org.uk and your message will be passed to the relevant officer.

If you have concerns about maintenance on your installation, get in touch. We will keep your identity confidential, and we will not take any action without your approval. We can make anonymous representations on your behalf and have ‘off-therecord’ conversations with HSE inspectors. We want to keep your installations running, but not at any cost!