The recent tragic Super Puma helicopter crash in the North Sea off Shetland is certainly going to be in the minds of anyone involved with health and safety, and I know that all of us here at Veritas Consulting extend our thoughts and prayers to all family and friends of the four people on board.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) is certainly extremely concerned given that this is the fifth major crash involving this particular model of helicopter or one very like it since 2009. All Super Puma UK offshore commercial flights have now been grounded pending thorough investigations.

The General Secretary of the RMT, Bob Crow, expressed deep concern that the already very low confidence in the Super Puma aircraft as a result of the 2009 accident is now at a critically low level. He said that “RMT and Unite have worked with all sectors of the industry to address the concerns of our members and rebuild that confidence.

“Last night’s events have undone all of that work and we anticipate an outpouring of anger.”

Helicopter Safety

Mr Crowe added that “the entire Super Puma fleet must remain grounded until the causes of this latest event are established and dealt with thoroughly to the union’s satisfaction, and we will support any member who refuses to board any suspect aircraft type in light of this disaster.”

Although the most common type of incident involving aircraft is bird strikes, this is far from being the first time that a faulty gearbox has resulted in the ditching of an aircraft of this type. It is unlikely that definitive answers will be available anytime soon, but we sincerely hope that a satisfactory outcome for the industries affected and those who depend on these type of aircraft will be forthcoming as soon as possible. We also hope that such an outcome may offer at least some support to those whose lives have been affected by this disaster.

Live National Safety Clampdown Twitter Chat

If you have never participated in a live Twitter chat before then you may want to make a note for Wednesday 4th September at 3pm. This is the date when the Health and Safety Executive’s Head of Operations for Construction, Mike Cross, will be taking part in a live Twitter chat to discuss issues relating to the latest Construction Initiative.

You can take advantage of this great opportunity to find out in detail what HSE Inspectors will now be looking for, as well as understanding why these changes are necessary. Write out your list of questions for Mike Cross now and then simply join in on Wednesday 4th at 3pm.

To participate in the live Twitter-chat simply log on to Twitter for 3pm, and ask each question in a tweet, making sure that you include the hashtag #askHSE in each of your tweets. To search for current questions and answers simply search for the hashtag or click on it to view a live update.

Health And Safety Twitter Accounts And Social Media

The HSE is already on Twitter as @H_S_E where you can read the latest news, advice and information on their work. Veritas Consulting is also on Twitter as @safetymatters where we regularly post links to relevant resources, notify you of our latest publications and provide a range of health and safety advice.

We’re also on Facebook and Google+ so there’s no excuse for not keeping up to date on all news and advice in the world of health and safety!

Of course, if you need specific advice or you have a question or concern then do please call one of our helpful and experienced Health and Safety Advisors free on 0800 1488 677.