North Sea platform workers onshore for tests after syringe discovered

Two workers on a North Sea platform have been sent ashore for further tests after a syringe was found in accommodation.

The entire 447-strong workforce on BP's ETAP platform is being drug-tested following the discovery of the syringe in the Safe Caledonia Flotel on Friday.

So far, two people have returned a "non-negative" result out of possible options of negative or non-negative in the ongoing tests and have been flown ashore for "more robust testing".

A BP spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a syringe was found onboard the Safe Caledonia flotel, currently located adjacent to the ETAP platform, on April 15.

"There are, of course, a number of medical reasons why a syringe may be required by personnel offshore, however in line with our zero-tolerance policy for substance misuse we have chosen to take the precautionary step of testing all those onboard.

"BP is a responsible operator and we place the utmost importance on ensuring the safety of all those who work on our platforms, therefore we feel this is an appropriate response.

"We can also confirm that two individuals have returned onshore.

"There are, of course, a number of reasons why a test result may show as 'non negative' and in these circumstances individuals are returned onshore for more robust testing."

The tests started on Saturday morning after a specialist team flew out to the platform and are expected to finish on Tuesday.