Monday 20 April 2009

Oil & Gas UK Responds to BALPA Call for North Sea Safety Summit

Responding to BALPA's call for a North Sea safety summit, Malcolm Webb, chief executive of Oil & Gas UK said: "I must take exception to the suggestion that commercial pressures are undermining the safety of offshore helicopter operations.  

"Our industry is determined never to allow commercial considerations to prejudice safety. Through Step Change in Safety, over 80 managing directors from oil and gas companies last month met to reaffirm the industry's ongoing commitment to safety, stressing that the current economic downturn will not shift the industry's focus away from the important issues of safety and skills.

"There could not be a clearer demonstration of that than in the way we have responded to the recent fatal helicopter accident, immediately implementing every recommendation from both the helicopter manufacturer and the regulator EASA, without taking advantage of the time periods allowed for completing the work.

"I would also like to correct an apparent misunderstanding. The membership of the new Helicopter Accident Issues Task Group, which is addressing a broad range of issues across the industry, will not be limited to the industry alone. At its first meeting held last Friday (17 April 2009) it was agreed that Trade Union representatives should participate. The Chairman of the Task Group is writing to invite their participation at the next meeting being arranged for May; and BALPA will be invited to attend."

ENDS

 

 

For further information contact Britta Hallbauer on 07891769113