Norway Grounds Helicopter Flights After Workers Report Tinnitus

Norway Grounds Helicopter Flights After Workers Report Tinnitus

Norwegian regulators order Equinor and Vår Energi to fix noise problems with new AW189 helicopters after employees report hearing damage and other health issues.

· 1 min read ·
middle easteuropehuman rights

Norway's offshore safety regulator has issued orders to energy companies Equinor and Vår Energi over noise problems with new AW189 helicopters, after several employees reported tinnitus and other health issues following flights to offshore work sites [246940].

The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) said the introduction of the new helicopter fleet on the Norwegian continental shelf has "not been problem-free" [246940]. Sigve Knudsen, director of Havtil, described the situation as "very demanding" [246940].

"It is far too high a number of reported health outcomes before the modifications, and it worries us that incidents are still occurring after the measures were implemented, even though the companies see a reduction in both the number and severity," Knudsen said [246940].

The companies have carried out several measures to reduce noise, and the effects are now being monitored over time [246940]. As part of its follow-up, Havtil has notified Equinor and Vår Energi of orders with a short deadline [246940].

Sources

Tinnitus Fears Ground Helicopters: Norway Orders Equinor, Vår Energi to Fix Noise #246940

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