OEUK Medical
What is an OEUK medical?
An Offshore Energies UK medical, formerly known as an Oil and Gas UK(OGUK) medical, is a health assessment designed to judge the fitness of offshore workers in the UK oil and gas industry. Completion of the medical leads to a certificate that workers must produce to work on oil rigs, offshore wind farms, and other workplaces located offshore of the UK. It is mandatory that any offshore workers in this industry have this certification and renew it at least every two years. The OEUK medical certification is recognised around the world as an industry standard for ensuring health and safety, so it’s important it is conducted by a qualified medical professional.
How do I know if I need an OEUK medical?
It is typically the case that the requirement for an offshore medical will be listed on any relevant job descriptions. Applicants will therefore need to check that their certificate is valid before applying, although employers might ask for another medical assessment before the first day of work. #HEALTH can complete health assessments and provide you with the results quickly. This helps reduce the risk of any disruption to your working life.
What happens during an offshore medical?
An offshore medical assessment typically takes 30-45 minutes, although #HEALTH guests should be aware that it could be shorter or longer. This will largely depend on if there are any additional health checks unique to the company. The common tests are:
Physical examination
height, weight, body mass index (BMI)
Urine testing
Assess functionality of the kidneys and other bodily processes
Vision testing
Includes short- and long-range sight, as well as colour perception
Audiometry testing
Assess hearing ability at different distances
Spirometry
Breathing tests are needed for people with certainsome conditions and those in the Emergency Response Team
Who completes offshore medicals?
It is a requirement that any OEUK medical is completed by a qualified medical professional that is on the OEUK register. A quality Private Health Clinic will have physicians that meet these requirements, as well as completed the following training. This includes:
- Have undertaken an OEUK offshore medical training programme
- Access to facilities appropriate to conducting examinations
- Have an understanding of risk-based approaches
How long does an offshore medical last?
The examination typically lasts around an hour and a half. Individuals should be prepared to bring photographic proof of identification, preferably a passport.
An OEUK medical certificate is then valid for two years from the date it was taken. However, your employer can ask that an extra examination be completed during this time if they feel it’s necessary. Click here for more information on how long a offshore medical certificate is valid for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an offshore medical involve a drug test?
While this won’t usually be part of the OEUK medical, maritime law dictates that employers test offshore workers for drugs and alcohol. The nature of the screening programme will vary between jobs.
Why is offshore working risky?
Many offshore places of work are subjected to harsh weather conditions that can make it more dangerous. For instance, wet surfaces can become more slippery and risk workers loosing their footing. Furthermore, many kinds of offshore work involve the use of heavy machinery and precise tools that are skill intensive.
What if I'm at sea when i need to renew my OEUK medical?
If an offshore medical certificate expires while the individual is one a voyage at sea, they can still work for up to 3 months. If the boat docks at a port before this however, you will have to seek out an offshore medical assessment.
Any Questions?
Simply book a consultation and we can can address any concerns you may have, to help advise you on the best course of treatment for your individual needs, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
