HEALTH & SAFETY REPORT 2014
page 24
4.4 Size and Shape of the Offshore Workforce
Confined space working and general space limitations are commonplace within the offshore oil and gas industry
and it is the workers’ size and shape that determines their fit within this environment. The last survey of offshore
workers’ body sizes was completed almost 30 years ago and since then the average weight of the workforce
has increased by around 19 per cent. In the graph below, the green line represents the weights of the offshore
population in 1985 whilst the blue data curve represents the weight of the offshore population in 2009 and shows
a significant shift in distribution to the heavier end of the spectrum. Furthermore, the heaviest individuals are
proportionally even heavier.
Figure 15: Average Weight of Males Travelling Offshore on the UK Continental Shelf
Due to the considerable increase in the weight of offshore workers, it is vital that an up-to-date survey is completed
in order to assess the changes in shape and size associated with this weight gain, informing the future design and
layout of the offshore infrastructure and equipment, improving fit, comfort and safety for the workforce.
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
Frequency
Average weight of males travelling offshore on the UKCS
19%
Weight (kg)
Heaviest 1% of the
offshore workforce
Sample Size:
44,495
Mean Weight:
90.94 kg
Range:
50 kg - 158 kg
Number >135 kg: 179 (195)
44
47
50
53
56
59
62
65
68
71
74
77
80
83
86
89
92
95
98
101
104
107
110
113
116
119
122
125
128
131
134
137
140
143
146
149
152
156
Source: Vantage POB, Oil & Gas UK
