Are your offshore workers ready for the new Safe Weight Limit Policy?

The average weight of offshore workers has risen by nearly 10kg since 2008. Not only has this increase raised questions about the health of workers, it has also raised serious safety concerns. That’s because rescue equipment such as winches, which are critical during offshore emergencies, have a limit to their capacity. The fact is that they simply cannot lift heavier people safely, and so a weight limit for offshore workers is being introduced later this year to improve offshore safety, evacuation and rescue procedures.

So what do these new rules mean for your offshore workforce and how can you support them to meet the new criteria? The Occupational Healthcare team at YourGP share their expert advice on the topic…

What are the new restrictions?

As of November 2026, there will be a limit of 124kg clothed weight for offshore workers. This includes a 0.7 kg safety margin. This OEUK Safe Weight Limit Policy is to ensure helicopter rescue winch capacity is not exceeded (bearing in mind this must accommodate the patient, paramedic and equipment). The restrictions will apply to all personnel travelling outbound to UK North Sea installations.

Workers weighing between 115kg and 124kg will be issued restricted duration medical certificates, whereas those exceeding 124kg may not receive an OEUK medical certificate and could therefore be unable to work offshore.

The decision to implement this safe weight limit for offshore workers follows a two-year review by industry experts, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the OEUK estimates around 5,000 offshore workers may be affected to varying degrees.

What do these new rules this mean for employers?

Employers will have a duty to support their workers through these changes. The best way to do this is to foster a culture of health in the workplace. This can be achieved by:

• Hosting health and wellness workshops to educate employees on the many benefits of eating well, staying fit and maintaining a healthy weight
• Providing healthy food options on-site
• Providing access to fitness equipment

Other ideas include introducing fun team fitness challenges and offering rewards and perks in recognition of progress made towards healthy weight goals.

For those who need extra support

Losing weight can be difficult. It can require radical changes to lifestyle habits, attitudes and thought processes, which can seem like an overwhelming prospect to many people. But it is possible with the right help.

YourGP offers a specialist weight management service designed to support your employees throughout their weight loss journey. Our highly qualified team, which includes doctors who are both OEUK registered and experienced in weight management, can talk them through all the options available, including weight loss injections. Not only can we provide the medication, we can also provide advice on how to make positive changes and build healthy lifestyle habits to ensure their weight loss is controlled and sustainable.

Weight loss injections work by simulating natural hormones that suppress appetite, slow down digestion and promote prolonged satiety. Research shows that when coupled with a balanced diet and regular exercise, they can be a highly effective weight loss tool. This holistic approach to weight loss could be just what your employees need to meet the OEUK Safe Weight Limit Policy criteria.

How it works

To begin, we’ll ask your employee to complete a pre-screening questionnaire. This will be reviewed by our weight management team. If they are a suitable candidate for our service, they will then attend a baseline health check with one of our healthcare technicians. This appointment includes a blood test, as well as some basic measurements, which will provide the GP with important information. It also enables the GP to provide a bespoke service catered specifically to their individual needs. We’ll keep an eye on their weight loss progress through review appointments, along with repeat blood tests, to ensure the medication is working in a safe and effective manner.

Speak to the experts at YourGP

If any of your offshore team are worried about meeting the criteria of the OEUK Safe Weight Limit Policy and you’d like our help and support, you can book an appointment with our Occupational Healthcare and weight management experts by using our simple online booking system, emailing reception@your.gp, or calling us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.