Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
As new regulations set to take effect in November approach, hundreds of North Sea offshore workers currently exceed the safe weight limit for helicopter travel, according to BBC Scotland. Workers must weigh no more than 124.7 kg (19.5 stone), including their clothing and footwear, to allow for safe rescue operations involving winching in emergencies. When these rules were first revealed by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) last year, over 2,200 individuals were over the prescribed limit. Recent data indicates that while some workers have reduced their weight, approximately 800 still surpass this maximum.
The introduction of this weight restriction stems from safety concerns raised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Rescue winches on Coastguard helicopters have a maximum load capacity of 249 kg (39 stone), which accounts not only for the rescued person’s clothed weight but also the weight of the rescue worker, stretcher, and necessary equipment. OEUK highlights that the average weight of offshore employees has increased by nearly 10 kg since 2008, a trend that has contributed to the need for such a policy. The weight measurement is specific to industry-standard travel clothing and footwear worn during offshore transfer.
This new policy follows an extensive industry review addressing safety aspects related to helicopter travel offshore. Previously, rules had targeted shoulder width to classify “extra broad” passengers, ensuring quick egress from helicopters during emergencies. Data from recent months, encompassing over 35,000 offshore traveler records, show a decline in the proportion of workers exceeding the weight limit—from 4.7% in 2022 down to 3.4% currently. While hundreds have managed to get under the threshold, many still face the challenge, with the mandatory enforcement date fast approaching.
Dr Niyi Adeleke, an occupational health physician based in Aberdeen, has been involved in evaluating offshore workers’ fitness and supporting their weight management efforts. He remarks that the new limits have generated varied reactions, with some workers experiencing stress about meeting the requirement. While a few have chosen to leave the sector rather than lose the necessary weight, most continue to work toward compliance. He warns against unsafe practices such as prolonged fasting, advocating instead for sustainable weight-loss methods. Employment lawyer Will Rollinson notes that companies will consider all factors before taking any employment action based on weight, including efforts made by the worker and alternative job options. However, he acknowledges that if no viable solutions are found, termination remains a possibility for roles requiring offshore presence. Graham Skinner from OEUK reassures that although progress has been made, the remaining group must act swiftly to meet the upcoming deadline, stressing that workers over the limit will no longer be permitted to travel offshore after November 1
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.