Our doctors are frequently asked various questions surrounding medical conditions and medication being taken prior to appointments. We have listed the most common enquiries below for you to read through in advance of your medical with Just Health Clinic
Anti-depressants
Individual assessment is required. In some cases use of anti‐depressants as maintenance therapy may be permissible.
Asthma
Well controlled asthma which does not interfere with exercise tolerance is usually permissible.
Colour blindness
This is not a bar to offshore work unless good colour vision is an essential requirement of the job.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses are permitted offshore. We recommended a spare pair of spectacles is taken offshore with you.
Diabetes
Diabetes controlled by diet alone or diet and tablets is not an obstacle to working offshore, provided the condition is well controlled and there are no complications.
The situation regarding diabetics requiring insulin is more complex. It is likely that reports will be required from GP and specialists to confirm the condition is well controlled. Each case needs individual assessment and discussion with the Operator’s Medical Advisor. The risks associated with insulin dependent diabetes are incompatible with unrestricted fitness to work in the off shore environment and only a restricted certificate will be issued. More frequent medicals will be required and the certificate will only be valid for a named installation.
Epilepsy
A statement from the employer is required to determine whether the individual is employed in a Category 1 job (safety critical e.g. scaffolders, rope access personnel, crane operators, drill crew), or Category 2 (other). Specialist reports will be required.
Individuals are assessed on a case by case basis. A minimum of 6 months free of seizures must elapse.
Epipen
The use of an Epipen is unlikely to be compatible with work offshore.
Hearing aid
Provided safety announcements and warnings can be heard without use of a hearing aid and the device is intrinsically safe, hearing aids may be worn offshore.
Hernia
An inguinal hernia (in the groin) poses a risk of strangulation and requires surgery before return offshore.
An umbilical hernia (at the belly button) may be acceptable after assessment.
Heart Attack
Individual assessment is required with reports from GP and specialist. A minimum of 3 months must elapse before return offshore and the individual must have successfully completed an exercise test (treadmill test).
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure is permissible provided it is well controlled and there are no complications.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease require individual assessment. The condition must be stable, with no unacceptable side effects from medication. The presence of a stoma is not necessarily incompatible with work offshore.
Overweight/Obesity
Individuals with a BMI of 40 or more are unlikely to obtain an unrestricted certificate for safety reasons. Verification of ability to don a lifejacket, fasten a 3 point harness and escape from a helicopter hatch will be required. General mobility to perform job tasks and to respond to emergency situations is essential.
Pacemakers
Some pacemakers can be affected by electromagnetic fields. Written statements from the employer/operator will be required detailing the strength of magnetic field to which the individual will be exposed in the course of their work, as well as from the cardiologist or pacemaker manufacturer regarding the risks.
Painkillers
Strong painkillers which have sedating side effects are incompatible with work offshore.
Sleep apnoea
Use of CPAP may be acceptable.
Sleeping pills
Sleeping pills cause drowsiness and impaired alertness and are not permitted offshore.
Stroke
A minimum of 6 months must elapse before return offshore. Individual assessment is required.
Vision
Having only one eye or poor vision in only one eye may be acceptable provided the individual has adjusted to the situation.
Warfarin
Warfarin may be permitted offshore in some circumstances. Cases require individual assessment and discussion with the Operator’s Medical Advisor.