We must not forget offshore safety is about the workers

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael (Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi) made a presentation to the Offshore Helicopter Safety Inquiry today saying that we must remember, at the end of the day, that offshore safety is about each and every man and woman who travels to the offshore to earn a living for themselves and their families.

“Unlike most of us, who face nothing more than a short trip to our place of work, those who work offshore face travelling by helicopter to one of the most inhospitable work environments on Earth; an offshore oil platform in the North Atlantic,” said Michael. “While these people accept this risk in order to provide for themselves and their families, it is important to remember that they are also generating great wealth for the benefit of the rest of us.”

Michael says she hopes the days of a work culture not focussed on safety that is reactive to disaster instead of proactive are behind us.

In her presentation, Michael highlighted important issues to consider when determining measures needed to improve offshore safety.

Michael started her presentation by saying she is concerned with the Mandate and Terms of Reference of the Inquiry and says some of the wording in the Terms of Reference is vague.

A section of the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry states, “to determine what improvements can be made so that the Board can determine that the risks of helicopter transportation of offshore workers is (sic) as low as is ‘reasonably practicable’ in the Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area.”

“I found the term ‘reasonably practicable’ concerning, as it provides vague guidance at best.” said Michael. “I believe a lot of what can come out of this inquiry will depend on how the commissioner interprets that phrase. One person’s reasonable is another’s unnecessary risk. Should ‘reasonably practicable’ be viewed in terms of profit margins or bottom lines?”

Michael said it is time for the oil industry to instill a culture of safety in the province’s offshore saying that since the tragedy she has been approached numerous times by offshore workers who fear for their safety when travelling to and from oil platforms.

“Each of these issues could have been, and should have been, identified, addressed and resolved as part of ongoing safety reviews, not surfacing as anonymous e-mails or phone calls to an MHA they hope is going to be able to speak on their behalf,” said Michael.

The CNLOPB has stated that since 1997 they have been made aware of 178 concerns about the helicopters, performed 261 safety audits or inspections of the oil industry's offshore operations, and found no significant safety concerns with helicopter safety.

“Such a culture is the antithesis of what is needed to ensure that all safety concerns, from the frivolous to the serious, are aired, discussed and resolved in an atmosphere of complete openness and trust,” said Michael.

“This information seems to be at odds with what we are learning about such issues as survival suits, safety training, and other aspects of helicopter travel offshore; this situation is unhealthy, and dangerous. It is not conducive to developing a healthy safety culture.”

Michael suggested instituting a Offshore Safety Conference be held every two years in Newfoundland and Labrador referring back to a recommendation never put in place form the Ocean Ranger Inquiry.

“One practical way an open safety culture could be fostered stems from a recommendation of the royal commission that looked into the Ocean Ranger tragedy. That report recommended ‘that the Government of Canada encourage and support the convening of a biennial conference on offshore safety.’” said Michael. “I think this practice would be an excellent way for our local industry to become a world-leader in the area of offshore safety.”

Michael said that it is clear a separate Safety Board independent from the CNLOPB is necessary similar to what exists in Norway, another world leader in offshore oil production.

“It is clear that the offshore oil industry needs to be regulated by a separate body responsible only for safety issues. While the recommendation of a separate safety board for the entire offshore goes far beyond the mandate of this Commission, this is as good a place to start the discussion as any.” said Michael.

Michael concluded her presentation by suggesting a dedicated Search and Rescue helicopter be stationed in St. John’s.

“The fact is, despite the limitations placed on the this Commission mandate, and despite the insistence by the federal government that they deem a dedicated Search and Rescue unit in St. John’s ‘not an option,’ simple common sense dictates we need one ― and we need it right away.” said Michael. “Although this issue has been portrayed as a political issue, it is not. It is an issue of common humanity, and an issue of common sense.”

Michael also suggested that until there is permanent Search and Rescue stationed in St. John’s, Cougar, as the company responsible for providing supplemental Search and Rescue service, have a permanent helicopter on the ground fixed with hoist and all necessary search and rescue equipment and, furthermore, should consider changing their colours so the airframe stands out against the background of the ocean.

“Despite all the modern technology available to locate aircraft, it would seem that brightly painted helicopters would be easier to locate, both during regular operations and in the case of an accident.” said Michael.

Michael concluded thanking the commissioner for his time and said she is looking forward to reading his report and recommendations.


Download the full text presentation below: