N. Sea workers to be measured for size in new helicopter safety scheme

By DARA BUTTERFIELD

North Sea safety group Step Change in Safety has announced that helicopter passengers travelling to and from offshore installations are to be measured by medics as part of a new safety scheme.

This follows Step Change’s announcement in October that passengers are to be measured by the width of their shoulders, and those whose shoulders measure greater than 22″ (55.9cm) will be required to sit so that the closest window is compatible with their shoulder size.

Helicopter passengers are to be measured by specially-trained medics either on offshore installations or at onshore medical centres. Measurement places will be available from the beginning of February and can be booked through medical providers.

Les Linklater, Executive Director, Step Change in Safety, said: “This strategy is the simplest and most effective way to make sure helicopter passengers are measured correctly, and that passengers are transported safely to and from offshore installations.

“The Passenger Size workgroup has worked hand-in-hand with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and has been informed by Dr Arthur Stewart, an expert on anthropometry at Robert Gordon University. Dr Stewart is an internationally-acclaimed expert in this field and we are grateful for his guidance and support throughout the process.

“This measurement strategy marks the evolution of helicopter safety and is another major step towards ensuring the UK is the safest oil province in the world to work in.”