Man Suffers Head And Rib Injuries After Being Struck By Falling Object
A 57-year-old man has been airlifted to hospital after being reportedly hit on the head by a falling object as he worked on Murchison platform, 123 miles north-east of Shetland.The man was believed to have been struck by a falling hose or pipe.
A rescue helicopter was already in the air assisting a fishing vessel which caught its nets in an underwater crossover in the Faroe Channel, and quickly travelled to Murchison. The offshore worker was then airlifted to Lerwick's Gilbert Bain Hospital.
It is not currently known how serious the man's condition is, but he is known to have received head and rib injuries from the incident.
A spokeswoman for CNR International (UK) Ltd, the decommissioning organisation that employs the injured man, said: "CNR International (UK) Ltd can confirm that one person was injured during routine deck activities on the Murchison platform at approximately 8am today.
"As a result, the decision was taken to transfer the individual by helicopter to hospital in Shetland for medical assessment."
Expert Opinion
This shocking incident is yet another reminder of the importance of health and safety in the workplace, particularly in dangerous industries, such as offshore work. Health and safety regulations are in place for a reason and while very little is currently known about this incident it is vital a thorough investigation is carried out. <br/> <br/>“The safety of workers should always a top priority so it is crucial that any measures recommended to prevent incidents like this in the future are quickly implemented and workers are reassured that action has been taken to prevent serious injuries and accidents in the workplace.”