We are introducing new initiatives to help offshore workers stay fit and healthy to meet tough industry size regulations.
AIS trains 12,000 delegates a year for the offshore oil and gas, wind, maritime and heavy industry sectors at our state-of-the-art training village on North Tyneside. We have now introduced Metafit exercise classes at our onsite hotel and a new healthy eating menu in the delegate restaurant to help offshore workers comply with size and weight rules.
The regulations were introduced last October after a study showing the weight of the average oil worker has risen by almost 20% over the past 30 years and following concerns about larger passengers being able to escape from a crashed helicopter quickly. The rules govern the size of oil workers travelling to and from offshore installations by helicopter. Passengers with a shoulder width of 22 inches or more are classed as ‘extra broad’ and need to sit next to helicopter exits of similarly large size.
AIS hopes that by introducing exercise classes and new healthy eating menu choices it can help delegates maintain a healthy lifestyle during their training course and beyond.
AIS marketing manager, Charlie Guthrie said: "Studies show that the average size and weight of an oil worker has increased substantially over the past few years. We want to tackle this issue head on by taking a strategic approach to the health and wellbeing of any offshore workers training with us. Our new healthy menu includes a regular choice of salads, homemade soups and home-cooked vegetable laden meals and we will also be running regular Metfit classes for anyone interested.”
The Metafit classes will take place every Tuesday and Saturday at ‘The Hotel at AIS’ on the Tyne Tunnel Industrial Estate, North Shields and cost £4. As well as thousands of AIS delegates, the classes are also open to anyone on the Industrial Estate who wants to get fit.
