Wednesday 13 December 2006

UK Oil and Gas Producers Plan Ahead for Pandemic Flu

The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), the representative organisation for UK oil and gas producers, has issued an information pack on pandemic flu to its member companies in support of preparations being made industry-wide to minimise the impact of a major influenza outbreak on their activities.

The pack has been produced in response to a government request for contingency planning for such an event and is the result of a number of meetings between industry and government officials from the Scottish Executive and Westminster.

It contains a Pandemic Influenza Information DVD; documents giving key facts and answers to frequently asked questions; and a checklist to help companies manage the potential impact of a pandemic on their staff and business, including tips on how to develop business policies, allocate resources, communications, and co-ordination and liaison with external organisations and the community.

"Although the timing and nature of a possible influenza pandemic is highly uncertain, we must accept that should there be major outbreak of flu in this country, the offshore oil and gas industry will not be immune", says Malcolm Webb, UKOOA's chief executive.  "It makes good sense to plan ahead, not just from aspects of business continuity but also in light of the vital need to keep essential supplies of primary energy running for our lighting and heating.  

"This pack provides general information about pandemic flu and identifies specific activities which our member companies can do to prepare."

Notes to Editors

• The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) is the representative organisation for oil and gas companies licensed by the UK government to explore for and produce hydrocarbons offshore around the British Isles.  It has 41 members.

For more information, please call 020 7802 2400.