Former labour leader Bill Parsons wants an independent committee — made up of industry, workers, government and contractors — to draft new occupational health and safety legislation for the province’s offshore oil industry.
He says the new legislation should also cover workers “from heliport to heliport” as they travel to their offshore workplaces.
And he wants to see that legislation enforced by the provincial government — not the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB).
“I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the way it’s running now, but I question the CNLOPB’s ability to develop standards, to set standards, to do the regulation and do the appropriate inspection because the employers know when you’re going offshore because you can only get there by their permission on a helicopter,” he told reporters.
“And the evidence before this board is the parties don’t talk to one and other.”
Parsons made a presentation to the inquiry into offshore helicopter safety today.
He told the inquiry that offshore occupational health and safety regulations — which have been in draft form since 1989 — are antique. That draft legislation must be passed by both the federal and provincial governments to come into effect.
Parsons also recommended a helideck — located on a platform, ship or barge — be stationed midway between St. John’s and furthest oilfield to serve as an emergency refuelling station for helicopters.
He said that helideck could also be used for offshore training and for search and rescue operations.
The inquiry continues this afternoon with a presentation from St. John’s East MP Jack Harris.