Firm's death probe finds failings

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An oil company has admitted a series of failures which led to the death of a North Sea worker earlier this year.

Matthew Grey, 59, from Darlington, was killed when he was struck by a metal clamp during a pipe cutting operation 70 miles north east of Aberdeen.

The results of an investigation by Talisman Energy said some of its safety systems needed improvement.

Norman Jackson, 58, from North Shields, suffered an arm injury in the same accident on board a support vessel.

The men were both employed by contractor Aker Kvaerner.

They were working in a tank on board the Bleo Holm on 6 January.

The metal clamp which killed Mr Grey came free while being lifted out of the tank.

Mr Jackson was injured as he attempted to protect himself.

We deeply regret the death of Mr Grey and would take this opportunity to once again offer our sincere condolences to his family Nick WalkerTalisman UK

Talisman UK's vice-president Nick Walker said the investigation showed that some of its systems were not "sufficiently robust".

He said this was "principally in the establishment and maintenance of safe areas during lifting, communication and lifting and rigging procedures".

"We deeply regret the death of Mr Grey and would take this opportunity to once again offer our sincere condolences to his family."

Mr Walker said Talisman would share the lessons learned with employees, business partners and the wider oil and gas industry.

He insisted that the firm had a good safety record since entering the North Sea 12 years ago.

Aker Kvaerner conducted its own separate investigation into the Bleo Holm incident.

Managing director Rod Buchan, of Aker Kvaerner Offshore Partner in Aberdeen, said: "The safety of our personnel is at the core of our business, and this incident has had a profound effect on us all.

"Our priority is now to take the lessons we have learned from our investigation and implement improvement actions within our operations.

"Everyone at Aker Kvaerner remains saddened by the loss of Matthew and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and work colleagues."