Thousands of Offshore Jobs in the Balance as New Safety Rule Takes Effect
The UK's offshore energy sector is facing a significant workforce challenge, with up to 5,000 North Sea oil and gas workers potentially affected by a new safety policy imposing a strict weight limit. According to the industry's trade body, Offshore Energies UK, employees must meet a 124.7kg (19.5 stone) limit by next November or risk being barred from working on offshore installations.
The Safety Imperative Behind the Weight Limit
The controversial measure is not about aesthetics but is a critical safety requirement. The 124.7kg limit has been established to ensure that every worker can be safely winched to safety by a rescue helicopter in the event of an emergency evacuation. This capacity is non-negotiable for emergency response plans.
Graham Skinner, the Health and Safety Manager at Offshore Energies UK, emphasised the necessity of the change. He revealed that the policy is expected to directly impact 2,500 offshore workers who currently exceed the weight threshold. A further 2,500 individuals are below the limit but may still require support with weight management, bringing the total number of affected personnel to 5,000.
Industry Response and Support for Workers
Facing a one-year deadline, the industry has pledged to support its workforce. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme, Skinner stated that the organisation will be "working really hard" over the next 12 months to help affected employees. "Those people will be really supported by the offshore community and their employers during that time," he added.
The decision was not taken lightly. Skinner explained that the industry has been grappling with this issue for years. "We have been addressing this over the years, but unfortunately weight has continued to rise," he said. "It increases year on year and it begins to create some challenges across all the safety systems we have in place."
After two and a half years of collaborative research into alternatives like modifying lifeboats and stretchers, the industry concluded that a firm weight limit was the only viable solution to guarantee the safety of all personnel in a crisis.
