WELCOME FOR OIL and GAS HELICOPTER ACCIDENT TASK GROUP.

WELCOME FOR OIL & GAS HELICOPTER ACCIDENT TASK GROUP.

Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen North has today [Wednesday] welcomed the creation of The Helicopter Accident Issues Task Group by Oil & Gas UK to deal with matters arising from the fatal helicopter accident of April 1st.

Mr Adam last week called for a task force to look into this accident and others to address issues of safety in the North Sea.

Mr Adam said:
“I am delighted that the industry has acted so quickly to set up this task force after last week’s tragic accident. It will reassure offshore workers that the industry does have safety as its number one priority.

“Importantly this approach will allow any new policy or recommendations to be disseminated quickly right across the industry.

“It will help rebuild confidence in North Sea transport which is important not just for those working on the rigs, but also for the families and friends of those who work offshore.

Mr Adam continued:
“While the full AAIB report into the accident may take some time to be completed, I hope that this, combined with the Task Group will result in the industry being able to learn lessons from the accident and ensure the North Sea has the highest safety standards of anywhere in the world.”

Angus MP, SNP Westminster Energy Spokesperson and member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, Mike Weir MP, also welcomed the establishment of the task force.

"Oil and Gas remain important industries and helicopters are a very important part of the operations of the companies in the North Sea but the safety of workers must be paramount. The industry's approach in setting up this new task group under the auspices of Oil and Gas UK is a sensible one, in that all companies operating in the sector are potentially affected."

"The issues must be thoroughly examined and I am encouraged by the determination they have shown to share lessons across the whole industry. Everyone with an interest in the industry must ensure that everything possible is done to prevent any repetition of last week's tragedy".