Hundreds of North Sea oil and gas workers are at risk of losing their jobs due to new regulations that impose a maximum weight limit for helicopter transport to offshore platforms. Effective November 1, workers weighing more than 19 stone 7 pounds (124 kg) in full gear will be unable to travel to work.
Graham Skinner, health, safety, and security manager for Offshore Energies UK, stated that approximately 800 rig workers currently exceed this new weight limit. This regulation is primarily driven by safety concerns related to helicopter rescue operations. The maximum winch load for a Coastguard rescue helicopter is 39 stone. This capacity accounts for the weight of a rescue worker (averaging 14 stone), a stretcher (4.5 stone), and the individual being rescued along with their equipment. If a worker's weight, combined with their kit, exceeds the threshold, the winch system cannot be safely operated in the air.
Skinner emphasized that worker weight affects multiple aspects of offshore operations, including boarding helicopters, working in confined spaces or at heights, and crucially, emergency rescue scenarios. The decision to implement the weight limit stems from a risk assessment aimed at ensuring all personnel can be rescued if necessary.
When the plans were initially announced last year, around 2,200 offshore staff were identified as being over the limit. The reduction to 800 workers two months before the rule's enforcement is seen as a positive development, though further efforts are needed. Skinner urged individuals who have not yet met the requirement to begin addressing their weight, noting that while challenging, it is still possible to comply before the deadline and remain part of the workforce.