Hundreds of North Sea workers face losing jobs as 124kg weight limit comes into force
From today, offshore workers must weigh under 124kg to fly to installations. Industry body OEUK says the limit is needed for safe emergency helicopter winching.
A North Sea oil platform. File photo. · Photograph: Gary Bembridge (CC BY 2.0)
Hundreds of offshore workers could be told they are too heavy to fly to North Sea installations under new rules that come into force today.
Trade body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has introduced guidance requiring everyone working offshore to weigh less than 124kg, or 19.5 stone.
Why 124kg?
OEUK says the limit is a safety requirement, because it is the maximum weight at which a person can be winched from a platform into a helicopter during an emergency evacuation.
How many are affected?
Since the policy was announced in 2025, OEUK says it has worked with operators to help staff meet the limit. The number of workers over 124kg fell from about 2,200 in early 2025 to 840 earlier this year.
But an estimated 240 to 300 workers are still expected to be over the limit as the rule comes in, meaning they could lose their offshore jobs. OEUK said it was delighted with how many workers had reached the target.
'A kick in the backside'
Offshore inspector Liam Campbell told STV News he had lost around two stone since April to keep his job. He said the news was daunting at first, but described it as the push he needed after comfort eating following a family bereavement, and said he now has a better outlook.
Some workers have used prescribed weight-loss medication to meet the limit, and healthcare professionals working in the sector say the policy has had some positive health effects.
Anyone affected is advised to speak to their employer and occupational health team about support options.