Report on the identification of hazards related to the weight, size, and shape of offshore oil and gas workers in the UK

This OEUK report addresses the critical safety issue of offshore workers’ weight, size, and shape, highlighting concerns about lifeboat capacity and the suitability of lifesaving equipment for today’s workforce. Initiated due to incidents over the past decades, including challenges in lifeboat recertification and helicopter passenger accommodation, the last in-depth analysis of this issue was in 2013.

In response to recent concerns raised by installation duty holders and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), OEUK conducted a thorough analysis of offshore traveller weight data in 2023, leading to a hazard identification workshop. The report recommends installation duty holders to review and update their risk assessments under the 1995 Offshore Installations Regulations, focusing on emergency responses suitable for all personnel, considering their physical characteristics.

This publication can be downloaded free of charge.

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