Explanatory note

These Regulations apply to and in relation to offshore installations and pipeline works within the scope of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 1989 and to premises and activities connected with those installations or works (regulation 3).

Regulation 5 requires the person in control of an offshore installation, pipeline works or specified activities in connection with an offshore installation either to make adequate and appropriate arrangements for first-aid for persons at work or to ensure that such arrangements are made. These arrangements include the provision of suitably trained persons and the advice or attendance of a registered medical practitioner when needed. The person in control must also ensure that persons at work are informed of the arrangements.

The definitions of“work” and“at work” in section 52 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 are extended by regulation 4 in relation to first-aid and other matters specified in the regulation. All employees and self-employed persons are treated as being at work while they are on an offshore installation, a vessel engaged in pipeline works or a vessel engaged in specified activities in connection with an offshore installation.

The Regulations provide a defence in criminal proceedings (regulation 6) and enable the Secretary of State to grant exemptions (regulation 7).

Regulation 8 amends regulation 7 of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to disapply those Regulations where the Merchant Shipping (Medical Stores) Regulations 1986 or these Regulations apply.