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Oil industry body sets up Task Group in response to North Sea Super Puma crash
Oil & Gas UK, the representative body for the UK's offshore oil and gas industry, has established a task group to address cross-industry issues arising from the tragic helicopter crash off the north-east coast of Scotland.
The Helicopter Accident Issues Task Group is formed of senior industry managers, primarily representatives of the companies directly involved in the fatal accident as well as some members of Oil & Gas UK's Board or Council.
Its purpose is to act on behalf of the industry as a communications focal point for sharing information, advice and learning across the industry and with other stakeholders on matters arising from this and other helicopter accidents, including assisting with the implementation of any recommendations from the Air Accident Investigation Branch inquiries.
The group will also define possible policies and practices to be recommended to the Board of Oil & Gas UK for approval and consequent implementation on a pan-industry basis. In doing this, it will liaise and consult where appropriate with relevant bodies, such as the police, trade unions and relative support groups.
The group will be chaired by Bob Keiller, CEO of PSN and co-chair of Oil & Gas UK. It will meet regularly, at least once a month, until its work is completed at which time it will be disbanded.
Oil & Gas UK will utilise existing work groups and advisory teams, such as the Aviation Safety and Technical Group.
Bob Keiller, chief executive of PSN, said: "We feel a need to come together as an industry in the aftermath of last week's appalling loss of life to review, discuss and, if necessary, take action. Even though we may not always have early answers to every question, we are determined to ensure that any lessons are shared across the industry as quickly as possible."
Oil and Gas UK have also responded to concerns raised in the media, following the publication of the AAIB initial report on the crash investigation.
Chris Allen, health and safety director with Oil & Gas UK, said: "Oil & Gas UK has verified with every user of the Super Puma L2 that the necessary checks were carried out on all affected aircraft, prior to any flights following publication of the AAIB report. We can therefore confirm that all aircraft operating offshore are fully complying with the new requirement for enhanced inspections as set out in the Alert Service Bulletin from the helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter."
Commenting on continued calls for the aircraft to be grounded, Chris Allen added: "The industry relies on the experts within the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority. They are completely independent and have access to all the relevant data and evidence from the accident. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to reach the right conclusions and impose whatever requirements they feel are necessary to safeguard passengers. Indeed it is their responsibility to do so.
"The UK oil and gas industry will continue to liaise closely with relevant bodies as the investigation continues and will of course implement any further requirements the AAIB may establish to be necessary.
"The industry's newly created Helicopter Accident Issues Task Group, which will have its first summit meeting this week, will help in this endeavour. Its role is to act as a communications focal point for sharing information, advice and learning across the industry and will liaise and consult with relevant bodies, including the police, trade unions and relevant support groups."
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