Offshore oil workers will have to meet weight requirements to keep their jobs

• A new weight limit for offshore oil workers will be introduced on November 1, 2026.
• About 5,000 workers may fall under the new weight requirements.
• Unions have expressed concern about the impact on workers with larger statures.

Offshore oil and gas workers in the North Sea will have to meet weight requirements to remain in their positions. According to the new safety policy, which comes into effect on November 1, 2026, the maximum weight for a worker in gear will not exceed 124.7 kg.

This change affects nearly 5,000 workers, of whom 2,277 already exceed this weight. The new weight limit was introduced to ensure safety during emergency operations, as helicopters often have to lift workers in critical situations.

Graham Skinner, a safety manager at Offshore Energies UK, stated that the ongoing 12-month transition period will support workers in meeting the new requirements. He emphasized the importance of this policy for the safety of all workers.

In addition, representatives of the Unite union expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the new regulations on workers with larger statures, who may be physically fit but exceed the established weight limit.

Tags: Energy