(qlmbusinessnews.com . Sat 8th Nov, 2025) London, UK —
OEUK Sets Strict Weight Guidelines for North Sea Offshore Workers to Enhance Emergency Safety
Thousands of Workers in the North Sea's Oil Sector Ordered to Slim Down or Risk Job Loss
In a significant move to ensure safety offshore, workers in the North Sea oil industry are facing strict directives to reduce their weight or potentially lose their jobs. Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the industry's governing body, has announced that from November of the next year, the maximum permissible clothed weight for workers heading offshore will be set at 124.7kg (approximately 19.5 stone). This measure aims to guarantee that individuals can be securely winched to safety during emergencies.
The calculation behind this weight limit takes into account the maximum Coastguard rescue helicopter winch load of 249kg, which includes an average rescue worker's weight of 90.3kg, the weight of a stretcher at 29kg, and an additional 5kg for emergency equipment, totaling a maximum load of 39 stone.
Currently, OEUK has identified over 2,200 workers who exceed this weight threshold, raising concerns about potential job losses in extreme cases. Among those affected is Phil Perry from Aberdeen, who has been actively losing weight but remains concerned for colleagues who may find themselves unemployed once the new regulation is enforced.
This move comes after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency highlighted the inability of rescue winches to safely lift heavier individuals during offshore emergencies. Notably, the average weight of offshore workers has seen an almost 10kg increase since 2008. The industry has previously implemented regulations regarding shoulder width for helicopter travel, requiring “extra broad” individuals to be seated next to larger windows for escape purposes.
Phil Perry, 42, who once weighed 129kg, surpassing the upcoming limit, has successfully slimmed down to 118kg, with a goal of reaching 110kg. Perry views the imminent job risk as an added incentive to maintain a healthy weight, emphasizing the availability of gym facilities and healthy food options offshore. Nonetheless, he highlights the challenge of sustaining weight loss, having personally experienced the pitfalls of crash diets.
Graham Skinner, OEUK's health and safety manager, expressed hope that the new safety policy would not lead to job losses, stressing the importance of a robust safety culture. Skinner acknowledged the weight loss challenge facing approximately 2,270 workers but remained optimistic about the majority meeting the requirements through employer and community support.
John Boland of the Unite union voiced concerns for workers who are naturally larger but physically fit, stressing the need for supportive measures for these individuals.
With the policy set to be mandatorily implemented from 1 November 2026, the industry is at a crucial juncture, urging workers and employers alike to take necessary steps towards compliance and ensuring the continued safety and viability of North Sea offshore operations.
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