UK contractors working in offshore industries should ensure they do not become complacent when it comes to maintaining safety standards, it has been suggested.
According to Steve Walker, the new head of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) offshore division, it is vital the good progress made on things like injury rates continues.
He said: "I recognise the challenges in keeping ageing installations fit for purpose at a time when industry is looking at the technical and cost demands in developing existing fields, especially in the context of the economic climate and the ongoing energy debate."
However, he added that companies should not use the recession as an excuse to delay important work that could potentially risk people's safety.
In July, a snapshot review conducted by the HSE reported that work still needs to be done to improve the safety of offshore sites, although standards have recently improved.