The UK Government has rejected calls by the House of Commons Transport Select Committee for an independent public inquiry into offshore helicopter safety, reports the Herald.

The Committee had called for a full, independent, public inquiry to address whether the safety of offshore helicopter operations in the North Sea was affected by commercial pressure from oil and gas companies. The call was prompted by a number of offshore helicopter accidents, including a fatal crash in August 2013 in which four passengers lost their lives.

However, in its response to the Committee’s recommendations, the Government states that it has not seen any evidence that helicopter safety is being compromised by commercial pressure.

Commenting on the Government’s decision, Louise Ellman, Chair of the Committee said:

“I am deeply disappointed that ministers have rejected our recommendation they should hold an independent inquiry to investigate offshore helicopter safety.

“This is a regrettable decision for the loved ones and relatives of people killed in offshore helicopter accidents.  It sends the wrong signal to people who continue to work in the offshore industry.”

The Government’s decision has also been condemned by offshore union RMT.

“RMT is appalled that the Government have point blank refused to hold the full independent and public inquiry into helicopter safety that has been an absolute core demand from the workforce that we represent,” commented general secretary, Mick Cash. “An inquiry would have gone some way toward dispelling existing concerns which continue to undermine workforce confidence.”

“This response from the Government to the Transport Committee represents a complete failure to get to grips with the safety issue in the offshore industry and will send out a wholly negative signal,” he added.

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