Story Highlight
– Preliminary hearing for Donald Singer’s death held in Aberdeen.
– Singer died after worsening Covid symptoms offshore.
– Inquiry will examine airport Covid measures and offshore treatment.
– Employer plans to not participate in the inquiry.
– Family expresses concerns about circumstances surrounding his death.
Full Story
An inquiry into the death of Donald Singer, a 66-year-old offshore worker, has begun with a preliminary hearing held at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. The hearing took place on Friday, marking a significant step in examining the circumstances surrounding Mr Singer’s tragic passing on May 4, 2020, in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after being airlifted from the Ninian Southern Platform situated off the coast of Shetland.
Mr Singer, a crane operator by profession and resident of Aberdeen, was evacuated from the oil platform on April 3 after his Covid-19 symptoms deteriorated. As the pandemic unfolded, concerns regarding measures in place for the protection and treatment of workers became increasingly pertinent, especially given the unfortunate loss of life.
In court, it was disclosed that the inquiry would scrutinise several critical factors, notably the Covid-19 protocols established at the airport Mr Singer utilised for his travel, as well as the medical care he received while offshore. The legal representatives from various stakeholders, including the Health and Safety Executive and CNR International, an operator in the offshore sector, were present during the proceedings.
Catriona Dow, representing the Crown, explained the context of the inquiry, stating, “This is a discretionary inquiry.” She elaborated on the initial directives from the Lord Advocate at the onset of the pandemic which indicated that suspected Covid deaths were not automatically reported to the procurator fiscal. The Lord Advocate subsequently revised these measures to ensure that certain categories of presumed Covid-related fatalities, specifically those occurring in occupational settings or within care homes, were formally reported.
The court was informed of the staggering number of over 6,000 suspected Covid deaths that have been reported, accentuating the significant health crisis faced during this period and the ensuing need for thorough investigations into individual cases.
Attending the virtual hearing were Mr Singer’s relatives, including his son Richard Singer, brother Gordon Singer, and nephew James Clark, underscoring the personal impact of this loss on the family. Their presence highlights not only their grief but also their desire for clarity and accountability regarding the circumstances that led to his death.
Ms Dow further noted that the family had raised concerns regarding the conditions surrounding Mr Singer’s death, particularly about the medical care he received while on the platform. She described the presence of a medic on-site, indicating there might be matters for concern regarding the treatment he received during his illness.
As the hearing concluded, it was announced that a follow-up preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 25, during which Sheriff McCrossan will oversee further proceedings. This upcoming session may provide additional insights into the investigation and possibly pave the way for future actions related to health and safety standards in offshore operations.
This case reflects a growing scrutiny of occupational health practices, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, where the risk to offshore workers comes under the spotlight. The implications for the offshore industry, particularly regarding protocols for managing health crises, could be significant.
The inquiry’s findings are awaited with great interest by industry stakeholders and the wider public, given the critical nature of ensuring the safety and health of workers in high-risk settings. As the case develops, it will be vital to assess how the insights gained can inform future practices and potentially lead to enhancements in safety regulations.
The participation of various agencies in the hearing serves to underline the seriousness with which the circumstances of Mr Singer’s death are being treated. In light of ongoing concerns regarding occupational health and safety, particularly in the challenging environment of offshore work, the findings of this inquiry could be pivotal.
Ultimately, this preliminary hearing is only the beginning of a process that aims to bring to light the factors contributing to the untimely death of Donald Singer. For his family and loved ones, the pursuit of answers is not merely an inquiry into a tragic incident but a critical step toward ensuring accountability and improving safety standards for future offshore operations.
Our Thoughts
To prevent the incident involving Donald Singer, several key health and safety measures could have been implemented. Firstly, a more robust health surveillance protocol for offshore workers exhibiting Covid symptoms should have been enforced, in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates employers to ensure the health and safety of employees. Improving medical treatment availability and response protocols on offshore platforms could have provided better care for Mr. Singer, particularly regarding timely evacuation procedures.
Additionally, the adherence to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations could have ensured that Covid risks were adequately assessed, and appropriate control measures were put in place. Ensuring that all workers received comprehensive training on recognising and reporting symptoms could further bolster workplace safety.
The apparent non-participation of the employer in the inquiry raises concerns regarding accountability and compliance with regulations that require cooperation with health and safety investigations. To prevent similar incidents in the future, clear communication of Covid safety measures and regular training for both medical personnel and workers on offshore installations is crucial. This case highlights the importance of proactive health management during pandemics and the need for compliance with relevant health and safety regulations.
