Industri Energi Publishes Report into Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster

Following the disaster at the BP-operated Deepwater Horizon oil well in the Gulf of Mexico the ICEM-affiliated trade union in Norway, Industri Energi (IE), appointed a reference task force to:

• Review reports and data on the accident
• Draw lessons and how to implement these lessons in their Health and Safety work both nationally and internationally
• Evaluate the consequences of the accident for the offshore business in Norway and elsewhere around the world
• Advise the trade union’s decision-making body concerning the accident and the consequences of it.

The taskforce had its first meeting on 16 February 2011 to discuss the mandate and working methods as well to review the material at hand. Since then they have conducted 6 meetings and submitted their report at the beginning of September 2011.

The report, dedicated to the “11 offshore workers who lost their lives on the altar of greed” is now available in English here. 

It has been produced by a team from the union who have examined in detail the relevant official reports available on the disaster and made comparisons with the legislative and industrial situation on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. As can be seen from the report the authors have a depth of knowledge and experience of the offshore oil industry which makes their conclusions particularly important. The report also highlights the lack of trade union membership and representation as a significant factor in the series of events which led to the disaster.

If you have any questions on the report please contact Lars Myhre, ICEM Energy Industries Section Chairperson.