Prosecutors have set up a specialist group to take charge of health and safety investigations.

Prosecutors have set up a specialist group to take charge of health and safety investigations.

Solicitor general Frank Mulholland launched the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's new health and safety division yesterday.

The specialist division will lead the investigation into high-profile cases - such as the Super Puma helicopter which crashed into the North Sea earlier this year killing 16, and the loss of the Flying Phantom tug on the River Clyde in December 2007 in which three people were killed.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service already takes a specialist approach to the prosecution of rape and sexual offences, as well as for environmental and wildlife crimes.

The new health and safety division will have units in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and will include eight specialist prosecutors out of a team of 16.

Mr Mulholland said: "Whether dealing with tragic loss of life or incidents that are potentially life threatening, our specialist prosecutors are working hard to create and maintain safer workplaces and environments.

"They will identify unlawful practices that put safety at risk,bringing to justice those who fail to discharge their obligations under health and safety law."

Senior prosecutor Elaine Taylor, who will lead the new division, said: "We investigate all cases thoroughly, but some - such as the Super Puma tragedy - are complex, with unique challenges for investigators and prosecutors.

"Cases like this will benefit from the new division and its specialist teams."

The Health and Safety Executive welcomed the new division. Regional director Paul Stollard said: "Joint working in such specialised and sensitive territory can only be enhanced by having a dedicated team of lawyers involved."