Step Change in Safety said it would continue working with operators, contractors, regulators and the unions

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An oil and gas safety organisation has split from the UK's leading industry body amid "confusion over roles, functions and relationships".

Step Change in Safety has announced its independence from Oil & Gas UK and will now be wholly owned by it 137 member organisations.

Directors will be appointed from senior representatives from member companies.

Unions, the Health and Safety Executive and offshore safety groups will also be represented.

Les Linklater, executive director for Step Change in Safety, said: "In 2007 Step Change in Safety became a subsidiary of Oil & Gas UK, but the model led to confusion over roles, functions and relationships.

"Independence creates better distinction between the two organisations with greater autonomy. We will be owned and managed by our members to ensure we represent every part of the oil and gas industry."

Mr Linklater added: "While Step Change in Safety's legal entity has changed, our purpose remains the same: to continuously improve the safety of the North Sea.

"We cannot do this without collaborating with operators, contractors, regulators and the unions.

"Being member-owned will ensure levels of collaboration increase as we continue to serve the onshore and offshore workforce day in, day out."

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