§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of the instances in which long periods were being worked on offshore installations and of other reasons leading to the safety notice of 10 January; if he will give details of what steps are being taken to enforce this safety notice; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonDetails of long hours being worked offshore were received from offshore workers, who have asked to remain anonymous. As the hon. Member is aware, my safety directorate has undertaken to guarantee anonymity whenever requested. Approaches have also been made to my safety directorate by safety representatives and by a union.
Safety notices are non-statutory documents. However, careful consideration will be given to taking action under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 in any instance where it is found that the health or safety of any offshore worker is affected by unreasonably long hours being worked.