Congress 2013 Emergency Motion 01: North Sea helicopter tragedies

Congress 2013

EMERGENCY MOTION

E01 North Sea helicopter tragedies

Congress expresses its deepest sympathy to the relatives of those killed and injured in the helicopter tragedy off Shetland on 23 August, the fifth incident involving Super Puma helicopters in the last four years.

Congress is appalled that a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) over the deaths of 16 people in the Super Puma crash off the Aberdeenshire coast in April 2009 has still not been launched.

Congress fully supports unions with members working in the North Sea and other off-shore platforms in the UK in demanding a full inquiry (as happened with the Piper Alpha tragedy 25 years ago) into the causes of these incidents and tragedies.

Congress welcomes the recommendation by the Step Change In Safety's Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) to initially ground all Super Pumas operating in the North Sea while assessments were carried out into the 23 August incident. Congress notes that flights have recommenced, with the exception of the Super Puma L2, which will not carry passengers until the reasons for the ditching are known.

Congress supports unions giving support to members who refuse to travel to and from work on Super Puma helicopters until it is clear they are declared safe and the health and safety concerns related to travel to and from platforms are addressed.

Congress demands the helicopter operators and the oil companies involved ferrying workers must be required to now invest in new helicopters - that are safe and fit for purpose - from the vast profits currently being made.

Mover: Unite

Seconder: National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Supporters: GMB

British Air Line Pilots' Association