Oil Field Closed Due to Health and Safety Issues
Buzzard Oil Field was closed due to a compressor fire. There is a discussion concerning the health and safety of the fields. The fire occurred just a week after the new platform was installed. The fact that there was an issue has raised some concerns and the HSE may visit with some health and safety audits in the near future. The oil, gas, fuel, and energy sector is one that is most dangerous for workers. Luckily, the fire was spotted early so it was contained, but the entire field was shut down for 24 to 48 hours for the repairs to take place. The repairs will then be tested before full operation occurs.
It needs to be mentioned that this field is the largest in Britain. Furthermore, it is a field that offers 200,000 barrels a day. It will affect more than the field itself. There is a potential that a response in the gas and energy sales will include an increase on price just because of the loss of 200,000 to 400,000 barrels that would have been produced if the field had not been shut down. Any time a field or oil rig is shut down the answer is generally increased pricing at the fuel stations. It is a bit worrisome for those already suffering from high costs, but hopefully the repairs will be fixed easily and quickly.
