An offshore worker was seriously injured when a gas cylinder shot through the air and hit him on the leg.
The man had been working in a diesel turbine generator on Shell UK’s Brent Delta platform when the cylinder suddenly released the gas inside.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has now criticised Shell for its safety protocols following the accident in November.
In a report released yesterday, HSE investigators said: “On November 10, 2014 a serious injury occurred to a worker whilst attempting to change a compressed gas cylinder on the fire water spray system.
“There was instantaneous release of the contents from the compressed gas cylinder resulting in the cylinder acting as a projectile and striking the worker, resulting in serious injury.”
A spokeswoman for Shell UK said the company had acted to prevent any repeat of the incident.
“Shell can confirm that it has been issued with a prohibition notice in relation to an incident involving a compressed air cylinder that occurred on the Brent Delta platform,” she said.
“At the time of the incident, the team on the platform took immediate action to bring the situation under control.
“We have also taken action to address the issues raised in the notice.
“The safety and wellbeing of employees remains Shell’s top priority.”