The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Offshore helicopter safety inquiry is ‘not necessary’
Government: MP claims industry has responded with improved standards
An Aberdeenshire MP has said a public inquiry into offshore helicopter travel is “not necessary” amid union concerns over safety.
Conservative member for Gordon, Colin Clark, made the comments following trade union calls for a review of offshore travel amid concerns of commercial pressures affecting safety.
It follows a fatal Super Puma helicopter crash off the Norwegian coast in 2016, in which 13 people were killed, including Iain Stuart from Laurencekirk.
After meeting union
“Areviewof helicopter safety wascarriedoutby theCAAin2014”
representatives two weeks ago, Scottish transport minister Michael Matheson and energy minister Paul Wheelhouse have agreed to discuss the matter with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) respectively.
Ultimately, the responsibility for an inquiry lies with Westminster and the Scottish Government is reviewing whether to back the campaign.
However Mr Clark said his view reflects that of the UK government in that it is “not necessary” due to recent strides in safety offshore.
He said: “Clearly we want the best possible standard for crews travelling offshore.
“I have met with three of the helicopter companies and they are working very closely with the guys that are flying on and offshore, no stone is left unturned on safety.
“This is an industry that relies on equipment being thoroughly tested and safety has been at the forefront of absolutely every single company I have visited.
“The government’s view is that they don’t feel an inquiry is necessary.”
A review of helicopter safety was carried out by the CAA in 2014 following a series of five helicopter accidents in the North Sea between 2009 and 2013, two of which were fatal.
The review led to a series of improvements including making sure workers are seated next to a window large enough to escape through in the event of a ditching.
Investigators found the Super Puma incident off the island of Turoy in 2016 had been caused as a result of a crack in the main gear box, and it had “similarities” to a fatal crash off the Peterhead coast in 2009 which killed 16 people.
Although Super Pumas have not returned to operation, unions want a “wide-ranging inquiry” into workforce confidence, technical issues and whether commercial pressures are being brought to bear on offshore safety.
Mr Clark added: “I have never seen any suggestion standards are being dropped because of any kind of cost pressure, quite the opposite.”