The offshore oil and gas platforms are usually remote and hostile environment where attention to safety and the need for emergency response to acute medical events are vital.
People working in offshore platforms are susceptible to numerous dangers and risks, when those risks materialize, the safety and health of people operating these maritime platform must take top priority.
Offshore workers must be able to:
- Safely undertake their assigned duties
- Escape from platforms or helicopter in emergency
- Take part in offshore survival training
- Pose no significant health or safety risks to others
- Require no medical treatment that cannot be provided offshore
- Be free from risk of sudden illness that cannot be treated offshore
Offshore medicals are carried out to ensure an individual is fit to work in an offshore oil and gas workplace, and to promote good health in general.
Different offshore authorities have different requirements.
The offshore medical certificate is only valid for a limited time, and you need to renew it to continue working offshore. The frequency for renewal depends on the authority controlling the asset you are visiting and your age.
Although UK oil and gas set out the minimum to be included in the medical, some occupational health providers carry out a more in-depth examination than others do.
A typical examination will include:
• Completion of Patient Health History Questionnaire
• Urinalysis – routine urine test with immediate result
• BMI – measurement of height, weight and calculation of Body Mass Index
• Near, Distance and Color Vision
• Pulse and Blood Pressure Measurement
• Lung Function Test (peak flow)
• Audiogram (hearing test)
• Doctor Consultation
Adapted from: Oil & Gas UK
