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

Norway's offshore safety regulator has issued orders to energy companies Equinor and Vår Energi over noise problems with new AW189 helicopters. Several employees have reported tinnitus and other health issues after flying in the helicopters to offshore work sites, the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) said. "This is a very demanding situation," said Sigve Knudsen, director of Havtil. "It is actually a good story that we are renewing the helicopter fleet on the Norwegian continental shelf, but the introduction has unfortunately not been problem-free." The companies have carried out several measures to reduce noise, and the effects are now being monitored over time. "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. As part of its follow-up, Havtil has notified Equinor and Vår Energi of orders with a short deadline.