Union calls for quick action on helicopter safety report

ST JOHN'S, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - The union representing oil workers on the Hibernia and Terra Nova offshore oil platforms is calling for speedy adoption of all of recommendations in the Offshore Helicopter Safety Inquiry report released yesterday.

"We are especially pleased with the call for an independent safety regulator," says Chuck Shewfelt, the Atlantic Regional Vice-President of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. "CEP has long pushed for full independence of safety bodies from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board to avoid conflict of interest, and we are grateful that Commissioner Robert Wells made this one of his top recommendations."

"As the primary worker representative, Shewfelt adds, "we would now like an active role in all of the initiatives called for by the report."

"Workers and their unions should be fully involved in all aspects of health and safety, including the design and fit of safety equipment.  After all, it is the workers who have the expertise to identify and correct hazards."

"CEP is committed to working with the regulators, the operators and the government to ensure that there are no more safety tragedies in the offshore," he says.

For further information:

Chuck Shewfelt:[phone]; cell: [phone]