For the ‘people in the back’ helicopter travel remains the single most important issue in terms of health and safety for offshore workers today. When it comes to one particular aircraft, the Airbus 225, the people in the back have been expressing some strong views and most of them blunt, few want to fly in the 225 again! The horrifying image from last year’s tragedy of the rotors spinning through the air with no cabin attached will live long in the minds of workers and their families.
This message has been made abundantly clear by the Trade Unions in the Offshore Coordinating Group (OCG) to regulators, manufacturers and industry. The CAA, the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA), the Norwegian CAA, Oil and Gas UK, Government, all interested parties have been told we are acutely aware of the continuing concerns and lack of confidence workers across the sector have in helicopters generally, and not just the 225s.
However, when it comes to the Super Puma type the facts are stark; we have seen this aircraft type in the sea six times since 2009 with the loss of more than 30 lives. This alone makes any future proposal for a return to service extremely difficult and will cause considerable concern for workers. The investigations continue into the Norwegian tragedy and as yet we have no certainty over a root cause, which must be a pre-requisite before even a discussion could take place about this aircraft.
The OCG has made it equally clear to all parties; we will continue to defend the workforce position and will not accept any return to service without the support of the offshore workforce. In this respect we believe the oil companies and contractors across the sector must play a significant part and take cognisance of the ‘people in the back’, their employees, as to ignore their views on this issue could irreparably damage reputation, culture and industrial relations.
Jake Molloy is the RMT Regional Organiser and the vice-chair of the Offshore Coordinating Group.
On April 29 last year a Airbus Super Puma 225 helicopter crashed just off the coast of Norway. All 13 people on board died in the accident, which has been subject to a year long investigation that is ongoing. As the 12 month anniversary approaches Norwegian crash investigators are preparing to release an interim report. Check back regularly for updates.
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