Offshore workers face job loss under new 124kg weight limit

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 17:14 · Archive

Hundreds of UK offshore workers could lose their jobs when a new maximum weight limit of 124kg comes into force in November.

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) is bringing in guidelines from November requiring all those working offshore to weigh no more than 124kg (19.5 stone). The trade body says the rule is required on safety grounds, as this is the maximum weight a person can be when winched from a platform into a helicopter during an emergency evacuation.

When the policy was announced in 2025, OEUK said about 2,200 workers were above the limit. The BBC reports that this figure has now fallen to fewer than 250, while The Independent and other outlets cite 840 earlier this year. The OEUK says it has helped operators identify and implement measures to slim down their offshore workforces, leaving it "delighted" at the progress.

However, an estimated 241–300 workers are projected to still exceed the weight limit when the policy comes into effect, and these workers could face losing their jobs. OEUK health and safety leader Graham Skinner said on Thursday: "We are hoping that the vast majority of workers will have found a way through this. But the reality is also that if somebody has chosen not to lose weight or doesn't particularly want to comply with the policy for any reason, then there will be a route out of employment as well."

Striking a practical note, Skinner acknowledged that it is possible some of these workers no longer work offshore in the UK, or that they will be moved to onshore roles by their employers. He said the policy covers a range of measures including gym equipment and healthier food options.

Workers have turned to various methods to meet the new requirement. The BBC reports that many offshore workers have been using weight-loss jabs to comply, with one platform reporting that 60% of staff had been taking weight-loss drugs. Employers on that platform provided extra fridge space to keep the medications cool. Skinner stated that while weight-loss jabs represent a "wide uptake" among workers, they should not be treated as a "blanket solution" to the problem.

The backdrop to this policy is that the average weight of offshore workers has risen over recent decades, increasing by almost 1 stone 7 pounds (10kg) since 2008. The weight limit was decided after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency warned that rescue winches cannot safely lift heavier people, factoring in the weight of the rescuer, stretcher and other equipment.

Skinner characterised the measure as a safety policy related to capability. The new rules take effect from Sunday, with anyone over 124kg in civilian clothing and footwear banned from flights to offshore platforms covered by UK safety regulations.

How it is being reported

• Overweight offshore workers turn to weight loss jabs to avoid losing their jobs under new rulesThe industry previously made changes to safety equipment to compensate for the growing waistlines of offshore workersThe Independent · 29 Oct, 17:02
• Offshore workers turn to weight-loss jabs to meet helicopter weight rulesFrom Sunday anyone weighing more than 19st 7Ib (124kg) will be banned from flying to an offshore platform.BBC News · 29 Oct, 14:58
• Overweight offshore workers 'could lose their jobs' under new rulesHundreds of offshore workers could be at risk of losing their jobs when a new weight limit comes into effect next month, an industry body has warned.Sky News Business · 29 Oct, 13:31
• Overweight offshore workers could lose job under new rules, industry body warnsAn estimated 241-300 people are projected to still be above the 124kg weight limit when the policy comes into effect next month.Independent Business · 29 Oct, 13:29
• Overweight offshore workers could lose job under new rules, industry body warnsAn estimated 241-300 people are projected to still be above the 124kg weight limit when the policy comes into effect next month.Evening Standard · 29 Oct, 13:29

In this story: Offshore Energies UK · Maritime and Coastguard Agency · Graham Skinner · North Sea · UK

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