Thursday 28 March 2024
 7°C   E Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Total to launch safety inquiry at gas plant

One of the pictures taken by Brian Wishart while he was still working on the pipeline. Pic. Brian Wishart

OIL giant Total is to launch an investigation into allegations of serious breaches of health and safety at its gas plant construction site in Shetland.

Italian contractors Sicim have been brought in to lay the 4.5km onshore pipe for the £500 million gas plant, that will process gas from the Laggan-Tormore field 100 miles north west of the isles.

However 64 year old contractor Brian Wishart who started work on the pipe-laying project three months ago has downed tools, accusing his employers of taking too many risks in trying to get the job done too fast.

Mr Wishart has produced photographs of men working underneath a pipe weighing many tonnes as it is suspended in the air.

He said he had heard of an incident where a pipe fell to the ground just five minutes after workers had left the scene, having been working underneath it.

He also accused the company of forcing men to work for nine hours without a meal break, after interrupting them just as they were sitting down to eat their lunch.

“I have never seen working practices like this before. These are the most serious breaches of health and safety I have seen,” said Mr Wishart, who has worked in the energy industry all his life.

He said that Sicim appeared to be trying to get the job done as quickly as possible, even though the contract is ahead of schedule, and people were afraid to speak up about it because of fear of losing their jobs.

Total’s Aberdeen-based project manager Robert Faulds said he has launched an investigation after hearing the allegations this week.

He said there would be a full safety meeting on site in Shetland on Monday, and he would be coming to the islands later in the week to take the matter further.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Having seen the photographs, Mr Faulds said such working practices were “indefensible” and he had immediately taken steps to address Mr Wishart’s concerns. “These are unacceptable working practices and will cease from immediate effect,” he said.

He said he is also launching an independent investigation into claims that people are scared of speaking out about safety concerns.

He added that people should not be left without food for such a long time. “I personally find it unacceptable. I would not like it to be done to me,” he said.

The onshore pipe is being laid independently of the offshore pipe which will connect the gas plant to the gas field, that the company hopes will become operational in 2014.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.