Concerns over safety issues surrounding helicopters are at their highest levels for nearly 25 years, a leading union official has warned.
John Taylor, regional officer with Unite the Union, said the offshore community was increasingly concerned about flying offshore following Friday’s fatal crash, which has grounded the Super Puma fleet.
Four people were killed after their CHC-operated AS332 LW crashed into the sea two miles of the coast of Shetland.
“I’ve been involved 23 years and unfortunately in that time there’s been a number of helicopter crashes,” he told Energy Voice.
“But I’ve never seen anything like this before, with the feelings that are running high offshore.
“We were not confident about the Super Pumas, and that’s why we argued and got agreement there should be a temporary suspension. I don’t think our stance will change on that.”
Taylor insisted that, while he knew of no company that had forced employees to fly offshore against their will, many workers felt they had to out of necessity.
“I don’t know of any employer that’s forced anybody – I know a lot of people who are forced to go back through financial necessity,” he said.
“There’s a lot of guys offshore even before these accidents have a concern about flying in helicopters. A lot of guys have to swallow and grit their teeth when they get into that helicopter. Now we’re asking those same people to get into helicopters after four recent crashes and the sad tragic loss of life.”
Watch the full interview with John Taylor below: