Vic gas rig still suspended after deaths

29 Aug 2012, 9:53 am   -   Source: AAP

Stena Drilling says operations are still suspended on a Victorian gas rig after two men died on the drill floor.

Operations on a gas rig off the Victorian coast where two workers died remain suspended as an investigation continues.

The Stena Clyde Drilling unit was operating under lease to Origin Energy, about 90km southeast of Warrnambool, when an incident on the drill floor killed two men on Monday.

Stena Drilling managing director Tom Welo says the company is co-operating with authorities.

"All operations on board the drilling unit remain suspended and both Stena Drilling and the relevant authorities are conducting thorough investigations to establish the exact cause of this tragic accident," Mr Welo said in a statement on Wednesday.

Stena Drilling and Origin staff are investigating the deaths, with the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

Mr Welo said the company offered its condolences to the families and friends of the dead workers.

"We continue to offer help and support as best we can at this difficult time," he said.

Unions say workers will not return to the rig until improved safety measures are taken.

The Australian Workers Union says offshore rigs are some of the most dangerous workplaces on the planet, while the ACTU says it had warned for some time that the offshore petroleum industry was an accident waiting to happen.

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