UK trade body issues Ebola safety guidelines for offshore workers
Oil and gas workers returning from Ebola-affected countries in Africa should delay going offshore for 21 days, according to guidance issued this week by UK trade body, Oil & Gas UK.
Dr Alix Thom, employment and skills issues manager, Oil & Gas UK, said: “While we believe the overall risk to the UK is low, Oil & Gas UK is addressing concerns about the Ebola virus by issuing guidance to our members on how to respond to the potential risk to the health and safety of our workers in the UK offshore oil and gas industry.
“Acting on advice from our medical adviser, we have posted guidance on our website advising on the management of staff heading to and returning from Ebola-affected countries.
“This includes ensuring personnel receive appropriate advice on avoiding Ebola infection prior to deployment and reminding them to seek medical advice if they are feeling unwell, or become unwell within 21 days of returning from an affected country.
“We recommend companies keep a list of staff returning from Ebola-affected countries to help with government screening procedures. In addition, workers should tell their doctor if they have recently been to an Ebola-affected country. They should also delay any offshore trip until 21 days have passed since their return from an affected country.
“We will continue to liaise with medical advisers and government agencies and may amend our guidance accordingly.”
More information is available here: http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/healthandsafety.cfm