The Transport Committee has announced an upcoming inquiry into helicopter safety.
In the wake of the crash of a Super Puma helicopter into the sea off the Shetland Islands in August, in which four people were killed, and various incidents with helicopters transporting oil and gas industry personnel to and from off-shore installations in the North Sea.
Committee Chair Louise Ellman said:
“Any fatal accident is a cause for concern but there have been five helicopter accidents involving personnel from the oil and gas industry in the last four years, two of which caused multiple fatalities. We have heard worrying evidence that the workforce has lost confidence in the helicopters which they have no choice but to use. We want to look at what has gone wrong and whether the Government can do more to improve safety and protect the lives of offshore workers”.
More details terms of reference will be published later in autumn.
