In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, we explore the offshore energy industry’s response to the new weight‑based safety requirements coming into force on 1 November 2026. 

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has set a maximum clothed weight of 124.7kg (19.5 st) for workers being transported offshore, ensuring they can be safely winched in an emergency. With more than 2,200 workers currently above the new limit, the policy has raised significant operational, legal and workforce questions across the sector.

We’re joined by Graham Skinner, OEUK and Will Rollinson (employment law) and Malcolm Gunnyeon (health and safety law) of Brodies LLP to unpack what this policy means in practice, including:

• Key actions OEUK recommends during the transition phase (February–October 2026) and what companies should prioritise ahead of go‑live.
• Industry reaction so far and the practical challenges operators and contractors are facing.
• Health and safety law implications, both direct and indirect, arising from the introduction of a mandated weight limit.
• Recruitment considerations: can weight legitimately be used as an eligibility criterion for new offshore workers?
• Employment law risks for workers who cannot or choose not to meet the new threshold.
• Whether the policy amounts to unfair discrimination, including for workers who exceed the limit due to high levels of physical fitness.

This episode offers essential insight for HR teams, HSE professionals, offshore operators and anyone affected by—or responsible for implementing—the new OEUK weight policy.

This episode was recorded in January 2026, all information was correct at the time of recording. This podcast does not constitute legal advice.