Introduction to New Safety Policy
Thousands of North Sea oil workers are being told they must lose weight if they want to continue flying offshore – or risk losing their jobs. From November next year, the maximum clothed weight of a worker traveling at sea should be 124.7kg (19.5kg) – so they can be winched to safety in an emergency.
Reason Behind the Policy
The Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter’s maximum winch load of 500 pounds (39 kg) is made up of this number plus the average weight of a rescue worker of 200 pounds (14 kg), a 50 pound (4.5 kg) stretcher and the 10 pound (0.8 kg) kit. The new policy comes after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) warned that rescue winches – which are crucial in offshore emergencies – cannot safely lift heavier people.
Impact on Workers
More than 2,200 workers are currently over the weight limit and, in a worst-case scenario, jobs could be lost. One offshore worker, who managed to lose weight, feared colleagues could lose their jobs if the new rules come into force. He said fear of losing his job was an additional motivation to keep his weight down.
Staying Healthy Offshore
It is possible to stay healthy while working on a platform in the North Sea. There are gyms, and workers can walk on the helicopter deck. The key is each individual’s personal attitude. There is a wide range of fruit and healthy options, but there are also crisps and sweets which don’t help. Anyone can lose weight, the hard part is keeping it off.
Could Jobs be Lost?
The new safety policy – as part of a "robust safety culture" – would not lead to job losses, but this could not be ruled out. Employers will have a duty to support their employees through this and try to find sensible solutions. In the worst case scenario, some people could lose their jobs. Workers are given a year to lose weight, and there are around 2,270 who need to lose a bit of weight to ensure they can continue to work after November next year.
Support for Workers
There are those who will have a real challenge over the next 12 months losing weight and getting under the weight limit. At this point, an offshore worker who weighs more than 250 pounds will no longer receive their medical care and that will prevent them from getting on a helicopter. However, most workers are confident that the "vast majority" of workers would stay under the weight limit. Support will be received from employers, the offshore operators, and the offshore community itself.
Community Support
The community is coming together to support workers. Offshore workers are offering circuit training and gym classes to workers. It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together. Some workers are naturally larger built and in some cases extremely fit, but are over the actual weight limit. These are discussions that need to be had about how to support these individuals as well. The binding implementation of the new directive will take place from November 1, 2026.
