The North Sea oil and gas industry is implementing a new safety policy that may affect thousands of offshore workers, requiring those who weigh over 124.7 kg (19.5 stone) while fully clothed to lose weight within the next year. Noncompliance by November could result in these workers being barred from working offshore. The initiative is expected to impact approximately 2,500 employees who exceed the weight limit, which has been established to ensure that all workers can be safely evacuated by rescue helicopters in emergency situations.
Graham Skinner, the health and safety manager at Offshore Energies UK, stated that the organization aims to assist affected workers in achieving their weight loss goals over the coming year. He noted a trend of increasing weight among the general population, which is also reflected in those working offshore. Additionally, Skinner mentioned that there are around 2,500 other offshore workers who are below the weight limit but may require support in weight management, indicating that a total of about 5,000 individuals might be affected to varying degrees by the policy change.
Skinner emphasized the commitment of the offshore community and employers to support affected workers during this transition. He acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts to address weight-related issues in the industry, there has been a continuous increase in weight among workers, which presents safety challenges. The weight restrictions aim to address the complexities associated with safety systems like lifeboats, stretchers, and helicopter rescues, with Skinner describing a weight limit as the only viable solution to ensure safe operations. As the industry navigates these challenges, the focus will remain on facilitating the well-being of its workforce.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/07/thousands-of-offshore-north-sea-oil-jobs-at-risk-under-new-weight-limits