Outbreak of salmonella and gastroenteritis on an offshore facility
- Safety Flash
- Published on 15 February 2013
- Generated on 9 May 2025
- IMCA SF 04/13
- 1 minute read
The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority of Australia (NOPSEMA) has published the following report regarding a recent outbreak of salmonella and gastroenteritis on an offshore facility which resulted in about 40 members of the workforce being directly affected and led to severe disruption of offshore operations.
The strain of salmonella identified was reportedly linked to eggs. The use of raw eggs, which were incorrectly stored, is suspected to have been the cause of the food-borne illnesses.
The report can be downloaded from NOPSEMA Safety Alert 53.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.