Offshore operations always pose various risks and dangers for workers, the environment, and the people around them. For instance, working for oil and gas in the UK or other petroleum industries would involve operations like production, exploratory drilling, transportation, decommissioning, etc. Likewise, sometimes offshore operations also include crewed underwater operations.
That is why any worker preparing for offshore work must be aware of the potential risks and significance of the work. However, to prepare for offshore assignments in the UK, workers must abide by stringent safety and health standards. That’s what will provide you with a mandatory Offshore Medical Certificate, also known as OEUK medical. To learn more, look at the comprehensive guide to the OEUK medical standards for offshore workers.
How to Get the Offshore Medical Certification?
You must pass the Offshore Medical exam to acquire the Offshore Medical Certification. This exam reports your fitness and how effective you could prove yourself to be for the offshore role. Succinctly, it is a medical fitness check to learn if you can perform offshore duties safely. The offshore setting is already challenging, but if the worker has any health conditions, then it will only add to the risks—not just for them but also for others.
That’s why an Offshore Medical Exam would identify illnesses, risky injuries, or other health issues. First, the examination includes a general health assessment, through which your medical history is scrutinized. Next, all the major systems in your body, from respiratory to neurological to musculoskeletal, are examined.
Third, a screening test examines whether you are free of any substance abuse, like drugs or alcohol. Your mental health is also evaluated, which clarifies that you are sturdy enough to cope with stressed or sometimes isolated offshore work. Finally, functional capacity evaluates your overall physical fitness, which signifies your capabilities to perform offshore assignments.
Preparations for Offshore Medical Exam
The Offshore Medical Exam requires a few essential documents, without which you cannot be eligible for the offshore assignments. If you want to be part of the Offshore Medical Exam, provide the authority with your photo identification.
Next, bring the comprehensive medical history, which also mentions your previous illnesses and surgeries, in case you had any in the past. If there are any ongoing treatments, do not try to hide any, as it is for the safety of all.
Moreover, be prepared to follow the instructions while you go through the examination. For instance, some tests require you to fast for a few hours or keep yourself hydrated. It is also better if you wear comfortable attires during physical examination and free yourself of any anxiousness. Take a good rest before appearing for the examination.
Post-Exam Procedures
As you get the results of the offshore medical examination, discuss them with your doctor and get feedback instantly about what health issues need to be worked on. If the certified doctor approves your fitness, then take your Offshore Medical Certificate, which is often valid for two years. After two years, ask your company for its renewal by organizing new health assessments.
Getting an OEUK Medical Certificate prepares you for offshore assignments, which is a crucial step for workers. By following the medical standards and amply preparing for the offshore medical exam, workers can confidently work in the offshore environment.
During Offshore Assignments
Your responsibility as an offshore worker doesn’t end once you get into offshore duty. While working under hazardous conditions, remember always to be extra vigilant. Address any issues you witness on the work site. Pause the tasks if you feel any dizziness and report it instantly so your medical examination can be conducted again. Likewise, if you see your colleagues suffering from stress, injury, or accident, report it and fulfil your responsibility as an offshore worker.