Thursday 1 November 2007

UK OFFSHORE HELICOPTER OPERATIONS SAFEST IN THE WORLD

Oil & Gas UK has published an updated report reviewing the safety record of offshore helicopter operations. The report, which covers 30 years of data from 1977 2006, confirms that the United Kingdom continental shelf is the leading region for offshore helicopter safety, in spite of the most recent accident.

Chris Allen, a director at Oil & Gas UK, explained: This report updates information published by the HSE in 2003 in response to workers concerns that offshore helicopter operations were a high risk mode of transport. This perception, however, is not matched by the statistical evidence. Whilst there have been a number of tragic helicopter accidents, the overall safety record is in fact a good one, when compared with most other forms of UK land-based passenger transport. Indeed, when comparing passenger fatality rates, offshore helicopter travel is eighteen times safer than riding a motorbike and of a similar order to travelling by car.

Further results show that UKCS helicopter accident rates compare favourably with world-wide rates. During the period 1995 2005 (the latest period for which a world-wide comparison is possible), the UKCS reported one accident resulting in fatalities, whereas 63 accidents including fatalities were recorded world-wide.   

Chris Allen added: If we compare current performance with that of the first decade (1977 1986), a significant improvement has taken place. This has been achieved through the introduction of modern helicopter types, combined with extensive research into improving offshore helicopter safety which has resulted in several significant safety initiatives.

However, despite having a fleet of some of the most up-to-date and technologically advanced helicopters, in the last ten years we have had two fatal crashes in July 2002 (Leman Field) and December 2006 (Morecambe Bay). These tragic accidents remind everyone that offshore helicopters operate in a difficult environment and we must continue our efforts to further minimise the risks.

ENDS

Key results per decade

• 1977 1986 (1.6 million passengers annually):

Occupant fatal accident rate per 100,000 flying hours: 5.53

Non-fatal reportable accident rate: 2.25

Number of fatal accidents: 3

Number of non-fatal accidents: 24

• 1987 1996 (over 2 million passengers annually)

Occupant fatal accident rate per 100,000 flying hours: 1.58

Non-fatal reportable accident rate: 1.40

Number of fatal accidents: 2

Number of non-fatal accidents: 15

• 1997 2006 (almost 1.9 million passengers)

Occupant fatal accident rate per 100,000 flying hours: 2.20

Non-fatal reportable accident rate: 0.98

Number of fatal accidents: 2

Number of non-fatal accidents: 8

 

For the full report, please go to:

http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/issues/health/docs/Helicopter_Report_1976-2006.pdf

 

Britta Hallbauer

Oil & Gas UK Media Relations                      

3^rd Floor, the Exchange 2                                          

62 Market Street

Aberdeen AB11 5PJ  

                                                                       

Tel:      01224 577331

Fax:     020 7802 2401

Email: bhallbauer@oilandgasuk.co.uk

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