A survey has been launched to block the return of controversial offshore helicopters to the North Sea.
A website, purported to be associated with Unite the union, is hosting the questionnaire entitled ‘Do Not reintroduce the Airbus H225s and AS332L2s airframes in commercial operations in the UKCS’.
The two models of Super Puma helicopters have been banned from flying in the North Sea until recently as an investigation into a fatal crash off Norway continues.
The Civil Aviation Authority made moves to lift the flight ban earlier this month despite there being no root cause of the tragedy off the Norwegian island of Turoy identified.
However the survey claims that there is “no public confidence” in the Airbus aircraft and calls for stakeholders to back the “permanent cessation” of Super Puma operations in the region.
A statement on the website said: “Unite members have a vital role in making this campaign a success. Together we need to show that workers will not accept a return ‘business as usual’ and will express a vote of no – confidence in the Airbus Superpuma 225s airframes.
“Unite members have told us, their Health & Safety is paramount in the offshore sector. We are asking our members and all offshore workers and their families and the general public to visibly support this campaign and future health and safety campaigns in the industry.
“To win, you will need to show publicly your support and you will need to build the campaign through speaking to your colleagues, gaining their support and asking them to play an active role.
“Thirty thousand workers are employed in the UK Oil & Gas Industry; thirty thousand voices united will not be ignored.”
Unite the union has been contacted for comment.
