A new set of safety training standards is to be rolled out across the UK's offshore oil and gas industry, it has been confirmed.

Coming soon after a number of concerns were raised about the basic safety competence levels of new workers on rigs in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), the industry's prominent training initiative, Step Change in Safety, has announced changes to its programmes.

To be introduced in two stages, the new training modules will focus on risk assessment, mechanical lifting, platform integrity and making use of the industry's permit to work system.

Commenting on the initiative, John Methven, the co-chairman of Step Change in Safety, told the Scotsman: "Currently, basic safety training is carried out to different depths of understanding and covers varying safety elements.

"Every worker on the UKCS is required to complete basic offshore survival training. However, this does not include training on risk assessment, process safety or platform integrity."

This represents the latest safety training move to be introduced as the UK oil industry marks 20 years since the Piper Alpha disaster.

Oil & Gas Directory: Training & Development