Hundreds of North Sea workers are still too heavy for new helicopter rules

Why the limit applies to North Sea workers

From November, anyone flying offshore should weigh no more than 124.7kg (19.5st) in their clothing and footwear, so that they can be winched to safety in an emergency.

When the plans were announced last year by industry body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), more than 2,200 workers were above that limit.

However, new figures suggest up to 800 still exceed it, as findings were reported by BBC Scotland from Aberdeen.

The policy followed a warning from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency that rescue winches, critical during offshore emergencies, cannot safely lift heavier people.

The 249kg (39st) maximum winch load covers the passenger, a 90.3kg rescue worker, a 29kg stretcher and 5kg of kit.

OEUK said the average weight of offshore workers has risen by almost 10kg since 2008.

Updated industry figures show about 3.4% of the offshore workforce now weighs more than 124kg, down from an estimated 4.7%.

Jobs could go as a result. An occupational health expert said some workers had left the offshore industry rather than lose the weight, while an employment law specialist said companies could explore alternative onshore roles instead.

It is the second physical restriction on offshore flights.

Rules on shoulder size came in earlier, with passengers measuring 22in (56cm) or more classed as "extra broad" and seated beside a similarly large window so they could escape.

The change lands on an energy sector already under strain, including the cyber attack that shut a UK power plant for four days.