Inquiry into Offshore Worker's Covid Death Scheduled
An inquiry into the Covid-19 related death of Donald Singer, a North Sea offshore crane operator, is set to commence in September.
Donald Singer, aged 66 and from Aberdeen, was employed on the Ninian Southern platform located off Shetland. On 3 April 2020, he was airlifted by helicopter due to worsening Covid symptoms and subsequently passed away a month later, on 4 May, at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
During a preliminary hearing, it was confirmed that dates had been arranged for the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) to begin at the end of September.
Catriona Dow, representing the Crown, stated that evidence capable of agreement was being finalized. She indicated that she was seeking witnesses to provide testimony regarding family concerns about the medical treatment and evacuation process.
At a previous remote hearing held at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Ms. Dow explained that the inquiry would examine the safety measures implemented at the airport and heliport used by Mr. Singer, as well as those at the offshore platform itself. Additionally, medical treatment provided offshore and during the transfer to hospital would be scrutinized.
Sheriff Christine McCrossan set the FAI dates to start on 23 September, with further sessions scheduled for 28 to 30 September. A further preliminary hearing is planned for June, during which it is hoped clarity will be achieved regarding whether all scheduled dates will be necessary.
Purpose and Context of the Inquiry
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has committed to investigating over 6,000 Covid-related deaths. An FAI is mandatory in Scotland if a person dies as a result of an accident at work or while in custody. A discretionary FAI is ordered when the lord advocate, Scotland's senior law officer, determines that a death raises "serious public concern" and that conducting an inquiry serves the public interest.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads fatalities investigations for COPFS, previously commented on the significance of these inquiries:
"Thousands of families lost loved ones during the pandemic, and we undertook the single most significant and challenging investigation of deaths in Scottish history.
We remain committed to thorough, professional and independent investigations into every reported death, providing bereaved families with answers and supporting public understanding of the pandemic's impact.
As the first discretionary FAI, this is a milestone as we work to establish a better understanding of these deaths and inform decisions made in the future."
The Ninian Southern platform, where Mr. Singer worked, is situated approximately 75 miles (120 km) east of Shetland.
