The HSE has warned more needs to be done

Mr Salmond had spoken out as an inquiry into a fire on the Thistle Alpha platform at the weekend got under way.

However, Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain said the best way to keep North Sea workers safe was to have a common approach across the UK.

All workers have returned to the platform. Production remains shut down.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation at the site, 120 miles north east of Shetland.

Seven helicopters

The blaze took hold in the turbine module of the remote platform shortly after 0800 GMT on Sunday and smoke and flames billowed up from at least three levels.

Seven helicopters, including two from Norway and an RAF Nimrod were called in to help.

Some 116 of the 159 people on board were airlifted to two neighbouring oil platforms, Petrofac said.

The fire was put out by 1045 GMT and the rescue operation was scaled down.

The HSE warned last week that safety on offshore oil and gas installations must be improved.