Offshore workers will be supplied protective facial snoods before they fly out to North Sea installations as the industry continues its battle against the spread of Covid-19.
The agreement, aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus during helicopter crew changes, will see the protective face wear used alongside current safety equipment.
Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) said the solution will be combined with other social distancing measures on flights.
The snood, which covers the lower half of the face and is commonly used in factories and food production, will protect the face without conflicting with emergency equipment.
The new safety plans, thrashed out through OGUK’s Pandemic Steering Group, will see offshore safety firm Survitec will procure a supply of snoods and will be provided at north-east helicopter departure sites.
It has been tested for surface and underwater escape purposes and is endorsed by Bristows, Babcock, NHV and CHC Helicopters.
OGUK HSE director Trevor Stapleton: “The snood represents just one of the barriers being employed to prevent and manage Covid-19 across our essential workforce.”
Robust checks prior to mobilisation, temperature testing and testing are also in use alongside additional measures to protect the workforce whilst offshore including social distancing, staggered mealtimes, and where possible single person cabin occupancy.
“Taken together we’ve got a comprehensive response but we continue to develop this through listening to our people and continuing to push for expanded testing capability across our workforce.”
