Wednesday 8 April 2009

Industry Creates Task Group in Response to Fatal Helicopter Accident

Oil & Gas UK, the leading representative body for the UK's offshore oil and gas industry, has today (Wednesday, 8 April 2009) established a task group to address cross-industry issues arising from last week's tragic helicopter crash off the north-east coast of Scotland.   

The Helicopter 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."

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The list of the companies currently participating in the Helicopter Issues Task Group are Apache North Sea, Bond Offshore Helicopters, BP, Expro Group, KCA Deutag, Oil & Gas UK, Petrofac, PSN, Sparrows Offshore, Subsea 7 and Weatherford International.  Other companies will be invited to participate as necessary.
2.  Oil & Gas UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its members are licensed by the Government to explore for and produce oil and gas in UK waters and those who form any part of the industry's supply chain.
3. The Aviation Safety and Technical Group is the key industry group for dealing with aviation safety matters and it reports directly into Oil & Gas UK's Health & Safety Forum. Membership comprises senior representatives from the oil and gas industry, helicopter operators and regulators.

 

For further information, please contact:

Sally Fraser

Oil & Gas UK Media Relations               

2nd Floor                                                          

232-242 Vauxhall Bridge Road   

London SW1V 1AU      

             

Tel:       020 7802 2404

Fax:      020 7802 2401

Email:   sfraser@oilandgasuk.co.uk

Pager :  07659 183 999

http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk