Offshore employers are being urged to identify and support workers who could be affected by new industry weight restrictions impacting the UK offshore industry, with a mandatory 124kg clothed weight limit due to come into force on 1 November

From that date, anyone exceeding the limit will not be issued a standard medical certificate and will not be permitted to travel offshore, potentially affecting their ability to work.

This industry-wide Safe Weight Limit Policy has been developed following extensive engagement between OEUK, HM Coastguard, helicopter operators, and member companies and is in place to ensure the safety of all personnel working offshore. It addresses increasing worker weights and the associated challenges for evacuation, rescue, and medical response offshore, as search and rescue helicopter winches have a limited capacity for a single patient. The combined load of the winchman, stretcher and equipment leaves a maximum capacity of 124.7 kg for a patient. Anyone above this weight cannot be guaranteed rescue by search and rescue (SAR) helicopter. The new policy ensures every person can be safely evacuated or rescued, particularly by SAR helicopter winch. The policy applies to all offshore installations operating under accepted Safety Cases as defined in the Offshore Installations (Offshore Safety Directive) (Safety Case etc.) Regulations 2015. It does not apply to marine vessels, which are governed by different regulations.

Employers are encouraged to provide access to weight-management and wellbeing programmes, and pointers to support and advice are given on the OEUK website. Workers affected are advised to take healthy steps to lose weight, such as changing diet, exercising more, and seeking medical advice where required to ensure they can lose weight in a healthy, safe and sustainable manner.

Aberdeen occupational health specialist International Medical Management (IMM) is encouraging companies to act now rather than wait until an employee’s next medical or mobilisation.

Dr Louise Slaney, medical director at IMM, said, “Although November may still seem some way off, employers now have only a relatively short window in which to identify potentially affected workers and put appropriate support in place.

“Waiting until October, an employee’s next offshore medical or the point of mobilisation could leave too little time for weight reduction to be achieved safely and sustainably.

“From November 1, someone arriving at the heliport weighing more than 124kg fully clothed will not be able to travel offshore. For the individual, that could mean being unable to go to work; for the employer, it could create an unexpected gap in the crew at the point of mobilisation.”

Workers and members of the public in the UAE have access to Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) channels to report 11 categories of labour violations, ranging from forced labour and human trafficking to sexual harassment, unpaid end-of-service benefits and excessive working hours.

MOHRE said that disputes involving employers and domestic workers can be formally escalated when efforts to reach an amicable resolution fail. In such cases, a labour complaint can be filed through the ministry’s designated channels, allowing the matter to proceed through the formal review process.

The ministry has outlined 11 types of violations that can be reported. These include fake Emiratisation, forced labour and human trafficking, non-compliance with Emiratisation requirements, sexual harassment, failure to provide end-of-service benefits and requiring employees to work more than two additional hours.

The list also covers violations related to heat-stress protection measures, labour accommodation standards, the employment of workers in breach of regulations, occupational health and safety requirements, and annual leave entitlements, including failure to provide payment in lieu or allow unused leave to be carried forward.

MOHRE said its community reporting service enables members of the public to report unlawful practices at establishments. The initiative is intended to strengthen monitoring and improve compliance across the UAE labour market.

Workers and members of the public can submit reports through the MOHRE UAE app, the ministry’s website or the Labour Claims and Advisory Centre by calling 80084.

Materials science company Arclin showcased its latest personal protection solutions at the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo 2026, held from 14-16 September at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis

At booth #4103, the company presented personal protection technologies incorporating Nomex and Kevlar, highlighting solutions designed to address workplace exposure to heat, flame, arc flash and cut hazards.

Arclin’s participation marked its return to the NSC event and provided an opportunity to highlight developments across its Nomex and Kevlar portfolios. The company said the brands build on nearly 60 years of experience in personal protection, with solutions focused on protection and durability for workers and manufacturers.

"Protecting people in demanding environments requires us to continually look for ways to improve how materials perform when workers need them most," said Trey Roy, Arclin's North American Market Leader for Personal Protection.

"Nomex and Kevlar have protected workers for generations, and at Arclin, we're building on that foundation with new technologies designed to address the evolving needs of today's workforce. Returning to NSC is an opportunity to connect with the safety community and demonstrate how we're continuing to advance personal protection."

Among the solutions showcased was Nomex Xtreme Arc (NXA), a next-generation flame-resistant fabric designed for utility and electrical applications. The material is designed to help protect workers against arc flash and flash fire hazards.

Arclin also highlighted ArmorCell technology, which forms insulating air pockets when exposed to heat. According to the company, the technology helps slow heat transfer and reduce burn severity.

The company’s Nomex personal protection portfolio includes materials designed to help protect against heat, flame and arc flash across demanding industrial environments. Its Kevlar solutions use high-performance fibre technology in protective equipment and apparel to address cut and other workplace hazards while supporting durable protection.

During the Expo, Arclin’s team discussed its personal protection portfolio, developments in flame-resistant and cut protection, evolving workplace safety requirements and applications across utilities, manufacturing, construction, aerospace and petrochemical operations.