Thursday, October 12, 2006
FYI, for those who might be interested,
- Deeply affected by tragedy
Document Owner: Atle Teigland Created: 12 Oct 06 11:25 CET
Group Union Convenor in Aker Kvaerner, Atle Teigland, is upset to see individuals outside of the company try to profile their own interests in the wake of the tragic accident.
- We are all deeply affected by this tragedy. It is difficult to put words on the feelings you have when you lose colleagues both from Aker Kvaerner and from a subcontractor. That is why I am upset to see some people use this tragic accident to profile their own interests. It is unacceptable that a group that calls themselves an employee union, behaves in this way,” says Employee representative, Atle Teigland.
- What kind of responses or signals have you gotten from employees regarding safety on Atlantic Airways?
- As representatives for the employees, if we had gotten information that implied that it was in any way, irresponsible of Aker Kvaerner to use these planes, we would have stopped the employees from flying immediately.
- Some of Aker Kvaerner’s employees have criticized the safety of the planes in the media. Can you comment on this?
- Focus on safety is a part of the culture of Aker Kvaerner. Our HSE policy and our routines challenge and encourage employee to report all incidents. These practices are important in order for us to have a good picture of the safety aspects in all areas of our operations.
- Is it your opinion that flight safety is well-taken care of?
- I think the answer is obvious, when our employees, our employee representatives and our management use planes to transport employees back and forth from projects.
- Are Aker Kvaerner’s routines and procedures for reporting near accidents and undesirable happenings good enough?
- We are always striving to improve. It is a part of Aker Kvaerner’s culture.
- When employees report incidents, are they heard and taken seriously?
- With the strong safety focus we have in our companies, it would surprise me very much if we didn’t catch all the signals, undesirable events and dangerous situations --but there is always room for improvement.
- What can Aker Kvaerner learn from this tragic plane accident?
- It is too early to conclude the cause of the accident and therefore, it is too early to determine which actions we must eventually take.
- A broad review of Atlantic Airways with a strong focus on safety was conducted before we signed the agreement with them in 2004. In addition, the official Aviation control authorities inspected the company and the planes. After the accident, Aker Kvaerner has checked with the Civil Aviation Authorities both in Norway, and once again in Denmark, and their response is that it is safe to fly with Atlantic.
- Right now our complete attention is directed toward taking care of those affected by the accident. We will follow closely with the Aviation Commissions investigation, the results and conclusion. If some information is uncovered that indicates that there is a safety risk in using these planes, we will take immediate action, says Teigland, Group Union Convenor in Aker Kvaerner.
________________________________________
Letter from the CEO
Document Owner: Martinus Brandal Created: 11 Oct 06 18:22 CET
Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday was a tragic day for all of us. All 16 people on board the plane that slid off the runway and caught fire at Stord Airport in Norway were on the job for Aker Kvaerner.
Four of the people on board are missing and believed to be dead, 2 of whom were directly employed by Aker Kvaerner. Thankfully 12 people were safely rescued and taken care of.
Word of the accident at Stord reached me when we arrived at Hammerfest Airport at approximately 9 AM. My thoughts went immediately to the families of the victims, and the pain they must be experiencing.
A few hours later, Simen Lieungh (EVP, FDE), Stian Vemmestad (Pres., AKST) and I arrived at Aker Kvaerner Stord. Together with Tore Engevik (President, AKEL) and Kristian Pedersen (Emp. Rep.) we met the crisis team at Aker Kvaerner Stord. Witnessing such an occurrence so close hand had a strong effect on all of us.
We then visited the hospitals at Stord and in Bergen where the injured were brought. Most of them suffered from burn and smoke injuries, but their condition was described to us by the hospital as stable. We met with them and some of their families. Some of the injured were in intensive care, while we witnessed with relief 4 of the injured being discharged from the hospital. It was a very moving experience for all of us.
Today, and in the weeks to come, we are following up those that lost their loved ones, the survivors and their families, making sure that they receive any support that we can provide for them at this difficult time. We are, or course, offering to take care of transport and accommodations for them to the accident site, as well as the hospital and any other practical assistance that they might need.
A minute of silence was observed in Aker Kvaerner worldwide today in honour of those that died. In addition, on Thursday, October 12, commemorative services will be held at the Ormen Lange site, Stord, in Stavanger and at the corporate offices in Lysaker.
All of us were shocked by the events of yesterday. I understand that many feel the need to discuss what happened. We will continue to operate crisis centres at Stord and in Stavanger. In our other offices we encourage you to talk to your colleagues and take it up with your local manager if you feel the need for further assistance.
I get feedback from employees who are concerned about the safety of flying. Let me be clear. We don’t compromise when it comes to safety. We have people on hundreds of flights worldwide every day, and we want to be confident that both the airlines and the airplanes Aker Kvaerner employees use are safe.
Safety has been the focus since the start of our relationship with Atlantic Airways in 2004. Part of the broad evaluation we did before engaging its services was focused on safety. In addition to the evaluations we performed ourselves, we also contracted external aviation specialists for the review process. The Civil Aviation Authorities in Denmark have inspected and approved Atlantic Airways and its planes – with no remarks on safety. Safety has also been the focus in our normal contact with Atlantic. During our collaboration, we have experienced that feedback and concerns from our employees have been dealt with by the airline.
Atlantic Airways uses a plane type called BAE-146. There are approximately 300 of these planes being used by airlines in Europe and elsewhere. Aviation authorities and airlines in general, consider this plane type to be very safe.
After the accident on 10 October, we have been in contact with the Civil Aviation Authorities in both Norway and Denmark. We are also in dialogue with Atlantic Airways. We have received reassurance from both the Civil Aviation Authorities and the airline that it is safe to continue to fly with Atlantic and its planes.
At a time like this we can understand that there might be some of you that are not comfortable flying. We encourage you to take it up with your local manager who will try to assist you in making other arrangements for your travel. Out of respect for the concern many employees may feel, we have decided that Atlantic Airways charter flights will not use Stord Airport until further notice.
In addition to the measures I have mentioned, we will be closely following the investigations now being undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authorities.
Please be assured that I, and the whole management of Aker Kvaerner, have safety as our highest priority.
My thoughts and deepest sympathy goes to the families of those who lost their loved ones, and to those that have been injured in this dreadful accident.
Martinus Brandal
President & CEO
Aker Kværner ASA
___________________________________________
We are having a moment of remembrance tomorrow from 10.00 to 11.30.
Document Owner: Atle Teigland Created: 12 Oct 06 11:25 CET
Group Union Convenor in Aker Kvaerner, Atle Teigland, is upset to see individuals outside of the company try to profile their own interests in the wake of the tragic accident.
- We are all deeply affected by this tragedy. It is difficult to put words on the feelings you have when you lose colleagues both from Aker Kvaerner and from a subcontractor. That is why I am upset to see some people use this tragic accident to profile their own interests. It is unacceptable that a group that calls themselves an employee union, behaves in this way,” says Employee representative, Atle Teigland.
- What kind of responses or signals have you gotten from employees regarding safety on Atlantic Airways?
- As representatives for the employees, if we had gotten information that implied that it was in any way, irresponsible of Aker Kvaerner to use these planes, we would have stopped the employees from flying immediately.
- Some of Aker Kvaerner’s employees have criticized the safety of the planes in the media. Can you comment on this?
- Focus on safety is a part of the culture of Aker Kvaerner. Our HSE policy and our routines challenge and encourage employee to report all incidents. These practices are important in order for us to have a good picture of the safety aspects in all areas of our operations.
- Is it your opinion that flight safety is well-taken care of?
- I think the answer is obvious, when our employees, our employee representatives and our management use planes to transport employees back and forth from projects.
- Are Aker Kvaerner’s routines and procedures for reporting near accidents and undesirable happenings good enough?
- We are always striving to improve. It is a part of Aker Kvaerner’s culture.
- When employees report incidents, are they heard and taken seriously?
- With the strong safety focus we have in our companies, it would surprise me very much if we didn’t catch all the signals, undesirable events and dangerous situations --but there is always room for improvement.
- What can Aker Kvaerner learn from this tragic plane accident?
- It is too early to conclude the cause of the accident and therefore, it is too early to determine which actions we must eventually take.
- A broad review of Atlantic Airways with a strong focus on safety was conducted before we signed the agreement with them in 2004. In addition, the official Aviation control authorities inspected the company and the planes. After the accident, Aker Kvaerner has checked with the Civil Aviation Authorities both in Norway, and once again in Denmark, and their response is that it is safe to fly with Atlantic.
- Right now our complete attention is directed toward taking care of those affected by the accident. We will follow closely with the Aviation Commissions investigation, the results and conclusion. If some information is uncovered that indicates that there is a safety risk in using these planes, we will take immediate action, says Teigland, Group Union Convenor in Aker Kvaerner.
________________________________________
Letter from the CEO
Document Owner: Martinus Brandal Created: 11 Oct 06 18:22 CET
Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday was a tragic day for all of us. All 16 people on board the plane that slid off the runway and caught fire at Stord Airport in Norway were on the job for Aker Kvaerner.
Four of the people on board are missing and believed to be dead, 2 of whom were directly employed by Aker Kvaerner. Thankfully 12 people were safely rescued and taken care of.
Word of the accident at Stord reached me when we arrived at Hammerfest Airport at approximately 9 AM. My thoughts went immediately to the families of the victims, and the pain they must be experiencing.
A few hours later, Simen Lieungh (EVP, FDE), Stian Vemmestad (Pres., AKST) and I arrived at Aker Kvaerner Stord. Together with Tore Engevik (President, AKEL) and Kristian Pedersen (Emp. Rep.) we met the crisis team at Aker Kvaerner Stord. Witnessing such an occurrence so close hand had a strong effect on all of us.
We then visited the hospitals at Stord and in Bergen where the injured were brought. Most of them suffered from burn and smoke injuries, but their condition was described to us by the hospital as stable. We met with them and some of their families. Some of the injured were in intensive care, while we witnessed with relief 4 of the injured being discharged from the hospital. It was a very moving experience for all of us.
Today, and in the weeks to come, we are following up those that lost their loved ones, the survivors and their families, making sure that they receive any support that we can provide for them at this difficult time. We are, or course, offering to take care of transport and accommodations for them to the accident site, as well as the hospital and any other practical assistance that they might need.
A minute of silence was observed in Aker Kvaerner worldwide today in honour of those that died. In addition, on Thursday, October 12, commemorative services will be held at the Ormen Lange site, Stord, in Stavanger and at the corporate offices in Lysaker.
All of us were shocked by the events of yesterday. I understand that many feel the need to discuss what happened. We will continue to operate crisis centres at Stord and in Stavanger. In our other offices we encourage you to talk to your colleagues and take it up with your local manager if you feel the need for further assistance.
I get feedback from employees who are concerned about the safety of flying. Let me be clear. We don’t compromise when it comes to safety. We have people on hundreds of flights worldwide every day, and we want to be confident that both the airlines and the airplanes Aker Kvaerner employees use are safe.
Safety has been the focus since the start of our relationship with Atlantic Airways in 2004. Part of the broad evaluation we did before engaging its services was focused on safety. In addition to the evaluations we performed ourselves, we also contracted external aviation specialists for the review process. The Civil Aviation Authorities in Denmark have inspected and approved Atlantic Airways and its planes – with no remarks on safety. Safety has also been the focus in our normal contact with Atlantic. During our collaboration, we have experienced that feedback and concerns from our employees have been dealt with by the airline.
Atlantic Airways uses a plane type called BAE-146. There are approximately 300 of these planes being used by airlines in Europe and elsewhere. Aviation authorities and airlines in general, consider this plane type to be very safe.
After the accident on 10 October, we have been in contact with the Civil Aviation Authorities in both Norway and Denmark. We are also in dialogue with Atlantic Airways. We have received reassurance from both the Civil Aviation Authorities and the airline that it is safe to continue to fly with Atlantic and its planes.
At a time like this we can understand that there might be some of you that are not comfortable flying. We encourage you to take it up with your local manager who will try to assist you in making other arrangements for your travel. Out of respect for the concern many employees may feel, we have decided that Atlantic Airways charter flights will not use Stord Airport until further notice.
In addition to the measures I have mentioned, we will be closely following the investigations now being undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authorities.
Please be assured that I, and the whole management of Aker Kvaerner, have safety as our highest priority.
My thoughts and deepest sympathy goes to the families of those who lost their loved ones, and to those that have been injured in this dreadful accident.
Martinus Brandal
President & CEO
Aker Kværner ASA
___________________________________________
We are having a moment of remembrance tomorrow from 10.00 to 11.30.
# posted by Ragge @ 8:26 p.m. 
