A GAS leak on a contracted Orsted vessel has caused more than a dozen workers to feel unwell leading to health and safety concerns.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) have contacted the Health and Safety Executive as well as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) following the recent incident after they alleged that Orsted did not contact the workers in good time that there was a risk to health, stating they had to tell the workers at risk instead.

Orsted have denied this allegation and told The Mail that they contacted them directly via telephone or face-to-face.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Breathing it in can make you unwell, and it can kill if you are exposed to high levels.

A spokesperson for Ørsted, said: “We are aware of an unconfirmed report of carbon monoxide on a contracted vessel and are investigating thoroughly alongside the vessel operator and suppliers.

"The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and contractors is of paramount importance, which is why we directed the team to seek precautionary medical advice and immediately removed the vessel from service while further investigation is carried out.”

The RMT secretary Darren Procter said that this was a major health concern for the workers contracted to Orsted, some of whom have to travel long distances once they have reached the shore in Barrow.

"It was suggested that the level of Carbon monoxide were three or four times the level that they should be," Mr Procter said.

"Those involved on the vessel were informed by the union to seek medical attention urgently.

"We informed Orsted of the issues raised by our 15 members on the vessel.

"We have written to Orsted to get an explanation as to what action has been taken and why they did not inform the workers.

"We have had no response from them and we have raised this issue with the HSE and the MCA who share our concerns."

The workers are contracted to the wind farm off the coast of Walney which generate clean energy for around 600,00 homes.