We are deeply saddened that 37 people (two employees and 35 contractors) lost their lives working for Shell in 2006. That is one more than in 2005. Seventeen of these deaths happened in Nigeria, with nine the result of kidnappings or assaults as politically – and criminally – motivated violence rose sharply.

Recently, more fatalities have been occurring away from our operations and outside working hours, where we have less oversight. For example, the number of fatal assaults, drownings and road accidents all rose in 2006. These three causes accounted for more than 75% of lives lost last year.

Mainly as a result of higher fatalities from these causes, our fatal accident rate (the number of fatalities per 100 million working hours), which had improved by more than 50% since 1997, did not significantly change last year. This re-confirmed not only the importance of our measures to protect staff in Nigeria, but also the importance of our efforts to change behaviour and strengthen our safety culture.

These efforts appear to be helping reduce injuries. The injury rate for staff and contractors has improved by approximately 45% since 1997. Injuries at work declined again in 2006, beating our target.
 

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