North Sea oil workers must lose weight or face job loss

Published: 08 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Thousands of offshore oil and gas workers in the North Sea have been warned that they risk losing their jobs unless they reduce their weight within the next year, according to the industry’s trade body. The new policy, introduced for safety reasons, affects those weighing more than 124.7 kilograms (19.5 stone) fully clothed and aims to ensure that personnel can be safely rescued in emergencies.

Offshore Energies UK, the sector’s trade association, stated that approximately 2,500 workers are currently above the weight threshold. A further 2,500 employees, while below the official limit, may also require support to maintain safe working standards. Overall, the policy could impact around 5,000 individuals employed on rigs and platforms across the North Sea.

Graham Skinner, Health and Safety Manager at Offshore Energies UK, explained that the policy is necessary to guarantee the effectiveness of the offshore emergency response system. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland, he said, “Our population in general is getting heavier, and that is reflected in the offshore population.”

He emphasised that the measure is a safety requirement rather than a punitive one. “We have been addressing this over the years, but unfortunately weight has continued to rise,” Skinner said. “It increases year on year and it begins to create some challenges across all the safety systems we have in place offshore to bring workers home if the worst happens, whether it’s illness or injury.”

The critical concern, Skinner noted, is the ability of rescue helicopters to lift workers safely in the event of an emergency. Offshore operations rely on helicopters and winches to evacuate personnel, and exceeding weight limits could jeopardise not only the individual’s safety but also the effectiveness of emergency protocols for the entire crew.

“The lifeboats, stretchers, and helicopter rescue systems have been tested extensively, and we’ve really discovered a weight limit is the only solution available to us,” he added. He also highlighted that the industry has spent the past two and a half years exploring alternative safety solutions, but the limits imposed by equipment and operational safety standards leave no viable alternatives to a weight-based requirement.

Skinner said the industry is committed to supporting employees affected by the new policy. “Those people will be really supported by the offshore community and their employers during that time,” he said. Employers are expected to provide guidance, access to health and fitness programmes, and other resources to help staff reach the required weight targets within the next 12 months.

The trade body stressed that the initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain safety standards in one of the most hazardous working environments in the UK. Offshore oil and gas work involves heavy machinery, confined spaces, and remote locations, where rapid emergency response is essential. Adherence to weight limits is considered critical to the safe evacuation of workers during incidents such as medical emergencies, accidents, or equipment failures.

While some critics have expressed concern that the policy may be viewed as discriminatory or overly strict, proponents argue that the measure is grounded in occupational health and safety requirements rather than personal choice. They emphasise that employee safety, including the ability to be evacuated in life-threatening situations, must remain the priority.

Skinner also noted that the policy may have wider implications for the workforce, including a focus on overall health and wellness. “There are a further 2,500 offshore workers who are below the weight limit but might need some additional support and weight management,” he said. “We want to ensure that everyone is supported to remain healthy and safe while performing their duties offshore.”

The safety policy is expected to be implemented gradually, allowing affected workers adequate time to meet the required standards. Industry representatives have also said that they will provide monitoring and review mechanisms to ensure that the approach is fair and effective.

According to Offshore Energies UK, the decision to introduce the weight limit followed extensive consultations across the sector, involving rig operators, union representatives, and safety experts. “We have been working really hard over the past two and a half years to ensure that the safety of offshore workers is maintained,” Skinner said. “This is not about singling anyone out, but about creating a safe environment for everyone working offshore.”

The policy reflects broader trends in occupational safety, where physical capability can be a determining factor in employee eligibility for certain high-risk roles. It also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by an ageing and increasingly overweight workforce in physically demanding sectors.

Industry analysts suggest that while the policy may initially be met with resistance, it could have long-term benefits for both worker safety and operational efficiency. Maintaining a fit and healthy workforce is essential in offshore operations, where emergencies must be managed quickly and efficiently to prevent fatalities and serious injuries.

In conclusion, the North Sea oil and gas industry is taking a proactive approach to worker safety by introducing a mandatory weight limit for offshore personnel. While the policy affects thousands of employees, the trade body has emphasised that support, guidance, and resources will be provided to help staff meet the required standards. The measure reflects the sector’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety protocols in one of the UK’s most challenging and high-risk work environments.