They weigh too much and could lose their jobs. Norway is considering introducing new regulations

The Norwegian Directorate of Health (Hdir) is working on changes to health requirements for offshore sector workers. One of the options being considered is the introduction of a 124 kg limit, intended to harmonise employment rules across different continental shelves and improve safety during rescue operations. Norway currently uses different criteria. The primary basis for assessing fitness to work on platforms is the body mass index (BMI).

The new regulations came into force on the British continental shelf on 1 November. At the beginning of 2025, around 2,200 workers weighed more than 124 kg, but according to Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the number has now fallen below 240. Nearly 2,000 people have reduced their body weight. As reported by the BBC, hundreds of workers began taking weight-loss medication after the new requirements were announced.

The restrictions were introduced for safety reasons. The British coastguard warned that rescue helicopter winches may not be able to safely lift people with a high body weight. During an evacuation, the equipment must support the rescued worker, the rescuer and the necessary equipment at the same time. These technical limitations became the basis for the new regulations that Norway is now considering applying on its continental shelf.

Norwegian trade unions Styrke and Safe are calling for the consequences of the new regulations to be thoroughly examined. Henrik Fjeldsbø from Styrke told NRK that a detailed analysis of risks and effects on individual workers is necessary before a decision is made. Some may lose their jobs. The union representative stresses that the restriction could also affect tall and well-built people whose body weight exceeds 124 kg despite being physically fit.

Mats Thune from Safe has raised similar concerns. In his view, employers should provide appropriate support to people who do not meet the new requirements, including assistance with sustainable weight loss. He also points to the rules governing rescue operations. He asks whether people exceeding the limit could be evacuated using the same equipment during civilian rescue operations, if their body weight would prevent them from being employed on a platform.

The Rogaland regional state administration, responsible for offshore workers' health matters throughout Norway, notes that current regulations allow for shorter medical certificates to be issued and for body weight to be monitored. It is still unknown how many workers on the Norwegian continental shelf exceed 124 kg. The draft of the new requirements is to be submitted for consultation before Christmas, but the date of their potential entry into force remains unknown.