Companies participating in the UK offshore sector have been reminded of the dangers of cutting oil and gas training budgets.

Responding to the latest accident and injuries report for the offshore sector, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said that it was essential for the energy sector to place training and safety above costs.

Meanwhile, Jake Molloy, offshore energy branch representative for the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), told the Morning Star that the rise in the number of deaths on offshore platforms seen in the past could have been prevented if more emphasis had been placed on safety and training.

"We believe that safety representatives and the safety committee system needs to be bolstered to provide greater empowerment for reps to intervene, better education and training and greater union involvement," he commented.

Elsewhere, the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development has stressed that the UK must invest more in domestic training to plug the growing skills gap in the offshore sector.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development