$975,000 for Petroleum Industry Safety Branch in Budget

22/9/93

An increase in funding for the Department of Minerals and Energy will see an expansion of safety administration in Western Australia's offshore petroleum industry.

The State Government, in its first Budget, has provided $975,000 for the completion of the establishment of a new Petroleum Industry Safety Branch.

Mines Minister George Cash said the branch would comprise a staff of eight and be responsible for consulting with industry, assessing company safety systems and auditing offshore petroleum facilities for compliance with their approved safety cases.

He said the Government had implemented a safety case approach to petroleum exploration and production operations in WA in light of the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster in the North Sea.

"The move toward a safety case approach resulted from the inquiry into the Piper Alpha tragedy and addresses the recommendations of a subsequent report prepared by the Australian consultative committee in the offshore petroleum industry," Mr Cash said.

"The safety case philosophy emphasises self-regulation, employee participation and goal-setting.

"The new safety branch will provide essential services aimed at the industry-wide application of this philosophy.

"Its establishment reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring the highest possible safety standards for the industry."

The Petroleum Industry Safety Branch would comprise a manager, risk engineer, four assessors and two technical assistants.

Media contact: Narelle Cant  222 9595