Oil company fined following fatal fall

BP Exploration Operating Company Limited was found guilty of a health and safety breach at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 14 July 2023.

The court heard that on 4 September 2014 contractor Sean Anderson sustained fatal injuries when he fell through an open grating on the lower deck of BP’s Unity installation to the sea below.

The prosecutor led evidence over the course of the eight-day trial showing that the company had failed to have in place suitable and sufficient control measures in respect of open gratings on the lower deck.

Speaking after the sentencing, Debbie Carroll, who leads on health and safety investigations for the COPFS said, “Sean Anderson’s death was entirely foreseeable and could have been avoided if BP had taken all reasonably practicable precautions. His death and the risk of fatal injury to which others were exposed cannot be understated.

“There were serious deficiencies in the safety arrangements adopted around the management of open gratings which BP should have identified.

“BP Exploration Operating Company Limited could have done more to address the risks which is shown by the post-incident changes in procedures.

“Our thoughts are with Mr Anderson’s family at this time.”

A HSE spokesperson said, “BP failed in their duty to have suitable and sufficient control measures in place in respect to open gratings on the platform. Ultimately these failures resulted in Mr Anderson’s death. Our thoughts remain with Mr Anderson’s family and friends.”