North Sea offshore safety: when three workers were trapped in a lift as it filled with water

The facts around the case we’re about to discuss are, frankly, the stuff of nightmares. 

On the night of 10 December 2020, three offshore workers descended into a lift shaft of the FPF-1 platform in the North Sea to carry out routine maintenance.

They had no idea the shaft was filling with seawater and were knee-deep by the time the lift stopped. 

The three men reportedly experienced a ‘rush of air’ as the base of the lift made contact with the water – it was at this point one of the three hit the emergency stop button and they were able to be safely hoisted to the main deck.

Although the water inside the lift only made its way as high as the workers’ knees, markings on the outside shows the lift was submerged to a depth of 1.5 metres – this could have been a very real tragedy had it not been for the quick thinking of those inside. 

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found failings of hardware and incorrect operating procedures caused the bottom of the lift shaft to let in water – but a lack of water alarms in the bottom of the shaft also meant the control room had no idea what happened. 

Ithica Energy (UK) was fined £300,000 over the incident at a hearing last month in Aberdeen Sheriff Court after the firm pleaded guilty to breaching The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, 30 Regulation 4(1) and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Section 33(1)(a).

This case serves as a stark illustration of the real and constant dangers faced by workers in the oil and gas sector and the vital importance of compliance with health and safety regulations. 

I fear to think of the alternate outcome had the men made their descent just minutes later or failed to halt the lift as quickly as they did. 

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 are statutory provisions which impose strict obligations on employers to ensure equipment is suitable, properly maintained and used in accordance with appropriate procedures.

However in this case the HSE uncovered:

• Hardware Failings: The equipment did not prevent or detect the ingress of water and lacked adequate warning mechanisms such as water alarms at the base of the shaft.
• Procedural Deficiencies: The operating procedures failed to account for or mitigate the risks posed by water ingress during inspection preparation.
• Failure to Warn: The absence of a water alarm meant that the control room was entirely unaware of the developing hazard as the men began their descent.

While it is fortunate that this event did not result in death or serious injury, the psychological toll on those involved, and the potential for future incidents, must not be underestimated. 

The North Sea oil and gas sector has strict regulations but they are there for a reason – sadly, in all likelihood (as with most safety rules) they are enacted in hindsight and put in place after past tragedies or incidents. They are not mere boxes to be ticked.

For people like myself who help workers and their loved ones with offshore compensation claims – whether they are working in the North Sea or elsewhere in the world – this incident is a sobering reminder of daily risks these workers face.

But to offshore workers everywhere the law is clear: your employer is legally obliged to take all reasonably practicable steps to keep you safe at work and if they fail to do this then you are also legally entitled to seek legal advice and hold them accountable. 

Offshore injury claims are often complex due to multiple organisations from different countries being involved. Irwin Mitchell is best placed to help as the firm has solicitors specialising in international and domestic accidents with a vast network of recognised experts across the globe to get you the rehabilitation, compensation, and recognition you deserve. 

The HSE investigation report into the Ithica Energy incident can be read here.