North Sea oil workers who have returned from a country affected by the deadly Ebola virus have been advised to stay away from UK offshore installations for at least 21 days, according to new industry guidelines.
Workers returning from West African countries including Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have also been urged to seek medical advice if they are feeling unwell, or become unwell within 21 days of returning, according to advice published by trade body Oil & Gas UK.
The organisation published the guidance in response to an “increasing number” of enquiries about the infection since outbreaks imported from the West African region have been appearing in Europe and North America.
Companies in the sector have also been advised to keep lists of personnel deployed to areas affected by the disease, which is though to have caused 4,500 deaths.
But Oil & Gas UK insisted that the risks to the UK from the infections disease was “low”.
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.”
Recommended for you
