– I have a lot of pain, especially in my legs and back. I’m going to die of cancer, and I know I’m getting worse and worse. Hans Marwoll (70) has developed bone marrow cancer after a long life as an oil worker in the North Sea. The first job was on Statfjord A in the late 1970s. He describes a working day without protection against toxic gases: – We had to constantly close valves that were leaking gas. We drew in air from outside, jumped into the cloud of smoke and worked while holding our breath. This is how I continued until the leak was sealed. – Afterwards I was praised for a job well done. That was how it was supposed to be done. Thinks it could trigger claims from others Ten years ago, the North Sea divers received compensation. In December 2022, Marwoll and other sick oil pioneers were given hope that they too would soon receive compensation. A government-appointed commission determined that oil workers in the pioneer era were exposed to chemicals that could lead to serious, lasting health damage. According to the report, there is a basis for a separate compensation scheme for up to 400 oil pioneers. – I am very disappointed with the whole process, says Hans Marwoll. Photo: Eli Bjelland / news Still waiting for a response from the government 14 months have passed. The government has not yet decided, and does not know when they will have an answer. Labor and Inclusion Minister Tonje Brenna (Ap) says she understands that it is frustrating not to get an answer, but believes that a compensation scheme raises questions of principle. – It is my job to assess whether this may have a potential spillover effect to other professional groups who may believe that they are treated unfairly or too badly, and who have experienced being injured at work, she said in the Storting recently. Since June last year, three written questions have also been asked in the Storting about progress in the case. – I fully understand that there are many who are waiting for a decision. This is a group that has worked in an early phase in an industry that has set Norway on fire. But it raises some questions of principle that we must go through thoroughly before we come up with a final clarification, says State Secretary Per Olav Skurdal Hopsø (Ap). Tonje Brenna says she understands the frustration. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB Many die before they get answers The Cancer Society demands that the government give answers to the cancer-stricken oil pioneers. They believe that it is unlikely that this is an arrangement that will also affect other professional groups. – This is an occupational group that has been exposed to carcinogenic substances, and they have developed cancer. Unfortunately, many have already died, but there are still around a hundred who are alive and waiting for compensation. – It is actually heartbreaking to see how they have stood in this over the years. – Very disappointing One of them is Hans Marwoll at Bømlo. – I am very disappointed with the whole process. I have hope and believe that I will get compensation. But I’m probably not going to get it until I’m awake. I will probably die before I get compensation His body is affected by the cancer and the medicines. He tries to get out on fishing trips, but his legs hurt and his balance is bad. He can no longer go out alone. – The cancer cannot be cured, so I will die from the work I have done for the oil company and the state. That’s the price I pay.
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Cancer-stricken oil pioneers are disappointed that the government does not decide on compensation – news Vestland
