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Havtil orders Equinor and Vår Energi to investigate helicopter noise health issues
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate (Havtil) has issued orders to oil operators Equinor and Vår Energi to investigate health issues reported by personnel flying in Leonardo AW189 helicopters in the North Sea.
Employees have reported symptoms including tinnitus, ear pain, nausea, headaches, and hearing changes. According to the energy union Safe, over 90 individuals have required treatment due to these issues. While technical modifications were implemented this summer to reduce cabin noise, Havtil noted that health incidents continue to occur, prompting the demand for a thorough analysis of the causes and potential risk-reduction measures.
Previous measurements indicated noise levels between 94 and 101 decibels. Although companies previously stated that double hearing protection could prevent permanent damage, the regulator emphasized that offshore transport must be both safe and healthy for workers.
Entities
Equinor · Havindustritilsynet · Leonardo AW189 · Sigve Knudsen · Vår Energi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Reported health issues include tinnitus, ear pain, discomfort, hearing changes, sound sensitivity, headache, and nausea. www.nrk.no
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 40 Equinor employees reported health issues following flights with the AW189 in March. www.nrk.no
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Measurements previously showed noise levels between 94 and 101 decibels. www.nrk.no
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The AW189 helicopters were modified to reduce cabin noise, but health challenges continue to be reported. www.nrk.no
- [● 2 SOURCES] Havtil has issued orders to oil operators to address health issues resulting from helicopter noise in the North Sea. radioh.no · www.nrk.no