The global economy of the advanced world is highly dependent on offshore operations to harness resources like oil, gas, and wind energy. Offshore operations are so vast that they also include research work, development of infrastructure, and maritime operations.
The industry offers excellent opportunities globally, fast-track career progress, exposure to different environments, and excitement and adventure in life. However, with enormous opportunities come distinct challenges. These challenges include working in high-risk environments for long, hectic hours and often in complete isolation.
That’s why it is essential that anyone working in the industry is fit enough and has great endurance to deal with all such challenges. Meeting strict medical requirements or standards is the crucial way to identify the offshore worker’s strength and fitness and ultimately ensure productivity and safety overall.
If you are also wondering what medical requirements offshore workers must meet before setting out on the high seas, then this article is your best guide.
Significance of Medicals
Before you dig into the medical requirements for offshore workers, you must understand their significance. From operating heavy machinery to working under extreme weather conditions, as offshore workers face high risks every day in their jobs, they must undergo regular checkups.
Workers could undergo peak medical conditions, often detected after quite a long time when it becomes too late to treat them. Therefore, avoiding health risks that could compromise the workers’ or crews’ safety is never a good choice, and this is why the UK government makes sure to fulfil all the medical requirements of offshore workers.
The Offshore Medical Exam
Offshore workers in the UK have to pass the OGUK medical exam, designed according to Oil & Gas UK guidelines. The exam ensures the worker’s physical and mental abilities to assess whether they are able to handle the risky offshore environment.
The OGUK medical might include the following:
- General health assessment – A comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s or offshore worker’s medical history.
- Vision and hearing –These are the tests that ensure that offshore workers can operate safely in locations where visibility and communication are essential.
- Urine tests – Urine tests detect the influence of drugs as well as conditions like diabetes.
- Cardiovascular check – Assessing heart health to manage the physical demands offshore.
- Musculoskeletal assessment—Manual labor is another critical part of the offshore job, so musculoskeletal assessment is also a vital part of the medical exam. This ensures the least risk of injury.
- Lung function test—As offshore employees must work in polluted and confined areas. Hence, it is also important to detect lung issues.
Special Medicals for High-Risk Environments
Offshore employees working in environments like wind farms have to undergo specialized testing, such as:
- Chester step test—The Chester step test is another fitness evaluation that assesses the worker’s aerobic capacity. The quality of oxygen intake makes a difference, especially for those required to climb wind turbines.
- Working at height medical—offshore workers also have to ensure safe operations at heightened platforms, and for that, they have to undergo different balance and coordination tests.
Frequency of Offshore Medicals
Offshore employees have to undergo medical examinations frequently. Though the certifications are valid for two years, the worker’s age and medical history also affect the frequency of medical tests. Regular health assessments ensure the well-being of offshore employees and assist in identifying any emerging issues early.
Preparation for the Medical
Here is how you can easily prepare for the medical exam for the offshore industry.
- The best you can do is get plenty of sleep before the exam day.
- Ensure you do not take alcohol or caffeine before taking the urine test.
- Collect all required documentation a few days before, such as your medical history and list of prescriptions.
These steps not only help you pass the exam but also help you thrive in the offshore industry.
Conclusion
Navigating the high seas and the arduous demands of offshore work needs more than just your technical skills. Fulfilling medical requirements helps you pass the exam conveniently and motivates workers and employers to create a safer and healthier lifestyle and environment. Regular medicals only lead to a successful offshore career.
