/ 11 February 2010

Lose weight or lose your job

Chubby oil platform workers in Norway will have to start watching their waistlines or run the risk of losing their lucrative jobs, a Norwegian television channel reported on Wednesday.

According to a new order by local authorities, workers whose waistlines go above 115 cm or who weigh more than 120 kilograms could be blocked from receiving the bill of good health required to work on oil platforms, the channel reported.

The new rules sparked the ire of unions, who said they would try to block the ruling.

“It’s a violation of all rules aiming to create an inclusive work environment,” union official Ketil Karlsen told TV2.

The totality of oil and gas production in Norway, one of the world’s largest exporters, takes place offshore. — AFP