The weight and size of offshore energy workers in the UK sector have increased significantly in recent years, which impacts adversely on the design and operation of key offshore equipment including escape and evacuation systems.
OEUK has published the latest CPOGS anthropometry report for offshore personnel, which summarises our most recent analysis of the physical characteristics of UK offshore workers, focusing on latest trends in weight and shoulder width.
Using anonymised Vantage-POB data for 2024 and 2025 as its primary source, the report provides mean values, standard deviations, and population distributions for both weight and shoulder width across the UK offshore workforce.
The new anthropometry report confirms that the mean weight of UK offshore workers in 2024 was 95.85kg, with an associated standard deviation of 15.59kg. The report also confirms there has been no significant increase in either weight or shoulder width in comparison to previous datasets, providing a reliable reference for updated design calculations.
The updated distribution of UK offshore worker weight data highlights that approximately five percent of the UK offshore population weighed more than 124kg (19.5stones) in 2024. Those workers will need to lose weight to comply with the new OEUK industry safe weight limit for offshore workers which will come into force in November 2026.
New statistical information is also provided in relation to the shoulder width of UK offshore workers. This data is essential for technical specialists when assessing the continued suitability of marine evacuation and escape systems from UK offshore platforms.
The CPOGS anthropometry report summarising the latest weight and shoulder width analysis is free to download by OEUK Members at the following Web location.
Statistical Analysis of UK Offshore Workers – 2024 and 2025 Data | Offshore Energies UK (OEUK)
If your company requires assistance adhering to current UK regulatory requirements relating to bigger persons offshore, please contact us. Our team of specialists are here to help you. We have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that the lifeboats and liferafts installed on your UK offshore installations are fit for purpose and PFEER compliant.
