The deaths of two North-East oil rig workers nearly four years ago could have been prevented, according to a fatal accident report published today.

Richard King, 56, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, and Roland Duffell, 40, Alnwick, Northumberland, died in an explosion on the Glomar Arctic IV rig in July 1998.

The structure was undergoing maintenance work in Dundee harbour when the accident happened.

Sheriff Andrew Davidson said in a 170-page report that the men's deaths could have been prevented if reasonable safety precautions had been taken.

The maintenance firm, McGregor Energy Services, and Global Marine, the rig's operators, were later both fined after admitting breaching health and safety regulations.

Both men died when a flammable mixture of propane and air ignited inside the rig causing an explosion and fire, according to the report.

The sheriff said the accidents could gave been prevented if there had been proper risk assessments, better training and clearer understanding of existing company policy.

GMB Northern regional secretary Kevin Curran said he was concerned lessons had not yet been learned. He said: "There needs to be root and branch changes to the management of health and safety in the offshore industry."