Ornge didn't protect health, safety of pilots: federal investigators

Ornge statement regarding directions from TransportCanada/HRSDC

Ornge has received directions from Transport Canada/Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, relating to the Canada Labour Codes occupational health and safety provisions.Each direction deals with issues arising from the May 31, 2013air ambulance helicopter accident in Moosonee.

We welcome the agencies comments and will follow up on each of the directions to ensure our compliance.Our goal is to work with the agencies, management, unions and regulators to address health and safety concerns.

Since the tragic events ofMay 31, we have been working with a number of agencies examining Ornges operations.As the health and safety of Ornges crews and patients is our top priority, we welcome each agencys review as an opportunity to enhance safety. Specifically, we have been working closely with Transport Canada since the date of the accident to identify and address any concerns in relation to aviation matters.

The Transportation Safety Board investigation into theMay 31accident continues, and Ornge is cooperating fully.Ornge is committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our staff, both on the ground and in the air.

Here are the seven directions from Transport Canada/HRSDC:

• Ornge failed to protect the health and safety of helicopter pilots when flying the helicopter and when working together in the helicopter while it was in operation. Ornge is directed to take measuresto correct the hazard or condition that constitutes the danger immediately.

The directions below require action byDecember 31, 2013:

• Ornge failed to consult with the workplace health and safety committee in the development of health and safety policies that affect the health and safety of pilots.
• Ornge failed to create a hazard prevention program in consultation with the Work Place Committee specific to Pilots, while the aircraft is not in operation.
• Ornge failed to adequately educate the pilots on the health and safety hazards associated with northern operations.
• Ornge failed to consult with the Workplace Health and Safety Committee on changes that could affect health and safety of the employees.
• Ornge failed to ensure that all supervisory and managerial personnel responsible for pilots are adequately trained under the Canada Labour Code, Part II, and are aware of their health and safety responsibilities under this part.

The direction below requires action byMay 31. 2014:

• Failure to ensure the health and safety of pilots who operate by Night Visual Flight Rules are provided with a means to ensure visual reference is maintained throughout the flight.

Penalties

The federal legislation allows for enforcement action for non-compliance, including the issuance of fines. However, Ornge does not plan to be non-compliant on any point. To that end, we have retained outside counsel to ensure we are in compliance.

Ornge Actions

The following is a list of a number of the measures we taken to enhance health and safety of our crews:

• Controlled Flight into Terrain training for all rotor pilots
• Revised Standard Operating Procedures for night operations, including operations into black hole sites
• IInstalling solar lighting at 91 helipads across Ontario
• Study of additional technologies on helicopters to enhance night safety
• Hiring of a Flight Operations Quality Assurance Inspector and a Manager of Flight Training and Standards
• Emotional/psychological support for Moosonee staff following the crash
• Audited all training records to identify and address any training deficiencies
• Temporary suspension of S76 operations until Transportation Safety Board determined no mechanical deficiencies
• Training package and examination for S76 model differences
• Removed from service S76 aircraft that did not have advanced avionics