Chopper guidelines welcomed

New guidelines for offshore helicopter safety announced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have been described as an important step in protecting enhancing safety of offshore workers by Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael.

The guidelines have also been adopted by the CAA’s Norwegian and European counterparts.

The CAA announced in September that a review of the guidelines would take place following tragic Super Puma helicopter crash in Shetland waters in August of last year which saw the loss of four lives.

The guidelines have been welcomed by the RMT Union and industry.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said: “The work of those in the offshore industry is vital important to the economy of the Northern Isles and the rest of the country. The Super Puma crash in August last year was a tragedy and the CAA were right to look at how safety guidelines could be improved.

“The new guidelines are an important step forward in ensuring that those who work offshore are kept as safe as possible in what is a very challenging and difficult environment and I am pleased that the industry and the union have welcomed them.

“The co-operation of the national and international authorities shows that in working together we can get the right result that will strengthen workplace safety for offshore workers at home and across the continent.”