OGUK (formerly UKOOA), Norwegian & Appointed Doctor Medicals
It is Oil & Gas UK policy that all persons working offshore shall be examined periodically and classified as medically fit to work in the offshore environment.
Health and safety law requires pre-employment and periodic medicals for workers who are exposed to certain defined hazards, such as asbestos, lead, radiation and diving at work.
Some medical assessments that we carry out: -
Every offshore worker must undergo and pass a medical examination which classifies them as medically fit to work in th
e offshore environment. Different offshore authorities have different requirements. For UK waters, only physicians who are approved by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) Health Advisory Committee should carry out the examination.
The offshore medical certificate, as it is commonly known, 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.
For UK waters, all assets are controlled by OGUK (formerly UKOOA) and renewals are necessary 2-yearly, with effect from 1 Jan 2007, irrespective of the age of the offshore person.
Individual Operators retain the right to request medical assessments more frequently.
A typical examination will begin with you filling out an extensive form on your medical history, and lifestyle e.g. exercise etc. After this there will be a:
- Urine check
- Height, weight and resultant Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation
- Blood pressure
- Basic eye sight test
- Lung capacity check
- Hearing test
- A physical examination by a doctor - check stature, listen to your breathing, reflexes etc.
- The doctor will also discuss the form you filled in, and carry out any additional checks they think necessary e.g. blood sample if required
- Certificate of examination
In order to work in the Norwegian sector you need a "Helseerklæring Medical - Health Certificate for Persons engaged In the Petroleum Activity on The Norwegian Continental Shelf".
Health and safety law requires pre-employment and periodic medicals for workers who are exposed to certain defined hazards. These ‘statutory medicals' have to be carried out by an appointed doctor who is designated by HSE. The nature and frequency of the medical is described in the relevant legislation and supporting guidance.
Under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, employees carrying out duties with exposure to lead will require a medical review by an HSE appointed doctor.
Asbestos medicals
Under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006, employers must ensure that each of his employees who is exposed to the action level of asbestos is under adequate medical surveillance by an HSE appointed doctor.
Ionising radiation medicals
Fitness for work with ionizing radiation medicals required by an HSE appointed doctor under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99).
Contact us for your medical.