Firm fined after North Sea worker fell to death through hole in rig

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Firm fined after North Sea worker fell to death through hole in rig38 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleKen BanksNorth east Scotland reporter, Aberdeen Sheriff CourtCOPFSA missing section of grating was found outside a doorA company has been fined £287,000 after an offshore worker fell to his death through a hole on a North Sea rig. Jason Thomas, from Newport in Wales, was reported missing from the Valaris 121 about 100 miles (161km) south east of Aberdeen in 2023. The jackup rig had been under tow to Dundee.

After the 50-year-old crewman disappeared, a grating outside a door was found to have been dislodged. Ensco admitted breaching health and safety at work guidelines at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. The company was fined £267,000, with an added victim surcharge taking the total payable to £287,025.

The Details

More stories from North East Scotland, Orkney and ShetlandListen to news from North East Scotland on SoundsEnsco admitted a single charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Richard Brown, for the Crown, said the "experienced" crewman was regarded by those who knew him as friendly, positive, professional, and safety conscious. He was last seen leaving a lounge area, and a colleague then heard a loud noise.

ValarisJason Thomas disappeared from the Valaris 121 in the North SeaHe looked through the door and was able to see a grating sitting on top of other gratings - leaving a void with the North Sea below it. Thomas could not be located on board, and the alarm was raised, sparking a search and rescue operation. It was called off the following day, and his body was never recovered.

The fiscal depute said the Crown position was that the number of fastening clips had been insufficient, and wave action on the journey would have been sufficient force to cause them to fail. Valaris 121 later arrived in DundeeBarry Smith KC, for Ensco, offered the "sincere condolences" of the company for what had happened. He said Ensco had no previous convictions and it had been a "tragic accident".

What Experts Say

He said the company had the "utmost regret" that its health and safety efforts had not been sufficient. Smith said it was accepted there had been a failure to ensure the grating was properly fastened to prevent detachment while under tow. "Lessons have been learned," he added.

Sheriff Morag McLaughlin said there had been "absolutely a very, very tragic outcome". She said she accepted the company had an excellent safety record and had made a comprehensive response.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.