An OEUK medical (formerly known as an OGUK medical) is a mandatory health assessment for anyone working in the UK offshore oil and gas industry in Cardiff CF10 1. 

It is essential to ensure that offshore workers are physically and mentally fit to work in demanding environments, such as drilling rigs, oil platforms, and other offshore installations.

Since offshore environments are remote, physically demanding, and potentially hazardous, the OEUK medical helps protect workers, employers, and the wider workforce by confirming medical fitness before deployment.

Request a free quote for OEUK medical assessments in Cardiff today.

What Is an OEUK Medical?

An OEUK medical is a structured health examination carried out by an OEUK-approved doctor in Cardiff. 

It assesses whether an individual can safely perform offshore duties, including evacuation in emergencies, working in confined spaces, and handling physically demanding tasks.

After the assessment, the doctor issues a medical certificate, usually valid for two years, that confirms whether the worker is fit for offshore work.

Who Needs an OEUK Medical?

OEUK medicals (formerly OGUK medicals) provide essential assurance that offshore workers are physically and mentally fit to cope with the demanding conditions of offshore environments. 

They protect the health of the individual while also ensuring the safety and efficiency of offshore operations.

Without a valid OEUK certificate, a worker cannot legally work offshore in the UK sector.

What Does an OEUK Medical Involve in Cardiff?

An OEUK medical (previously known as an OGUK medical) is a health assessment required for anyone working in the UK offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy industries. 

Its purpose is to ensure workers are medically fit to cope with the demands of offshore environments, where medical support may be limited, and emergency evacuation is not always straightforward.

In Cardiff, the process begins with a confidential medical history review, where the doctor asks about current and past health conditions, medications, surgeries, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise. This helps identify any risks that could impact fitness for offshore work.

A physical examination follows, including checks of height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, pulse, and general physical health. 

The doctor will assess cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems to confirm the individual can manage the physical requirements of offshore work.

Vision and hearing tests are also required to ensure the worker meets offshore safety standards. Eyesight is tested both with and without corrective lenses, while hearing is checked to ensure compliance with industry requirements.

A urine test is typically carried out to check for diabetes and assess kidney function. In some cases, a lung function test (spirometry) may also be performed, especially if there is a history of respiratory illness.

Depending on the employer’s policies, drug and alcohol screening may be included as part of the assessment.

Who Can Carry Out an OEUK Medical in Cardiff?

An OEUK medical (formerly OGUK medical) can only be carried out by a doctor who has been registered and approved by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the industry body that sets the medical standards for offshore work in the UK. 

These doctors in Cardiff are specifically trained and authorised to assess workers against the OEUK guidelines to ensure consistency and compliance across the sector.

Only OEUK-registered examining doctors are permitted to issue an OEUK medical certificate, which confirms whether an individual is fit to work offshore. This ensures that all certificates meet the same standard and are recognised by offshore employers and training providers.

While occupational health nurses and technicians may assist with parts of the assessment, such as vision or hearing tests, the final medical decision and certification must be made by an OEUK-approved physician.

How Much Does an OEUK Medical in Cardiff Cost?

The cost of an OEUK medical in Cardiff ranges from £120 to £250.

The costs depend on the clinic, location, and whether additional tests are required. 

The fee generally covers the full medical history review, physical examination, vision and hearing tests, urine analysis, and the issuance of the official OEUK medical certificate, which is valid for up to two years.

Some providers may charge more if extra assessments are needed, such as lung function testing (spirometry), drug and alcohol screening, or if the certificate is issued with a shorter validity period due to ongoing health concerns.

In most cases, the cost of the OEUK medical is covered by the employer as part of compliance with offshore industry requirements. 

However, in some situations, such as for self-employed contractors, workers may need to pay for their own assessment.

How Long Does an OEUK Medical in Cardiff Take?

The exact duration depends on the individual’s health history and whether additional checks are required. For most workers in Cardiff, the standard assessment involves reviewing their medical history, measuring vital signs such as blood pressure and BMI, and conducting tests including vision, hearing, and urine analysis.

If further investigations are required, such as an ECG for heart health or lung function testing, the appointment may take longer, and the certificate may only be issued once all results are available. 

In straightforward cases, the certificate is normally provided on the same day, allowing workers to proceed with offshore deployment without delay.

How Long Is an OEUK Medical in Cardiff Valid For?

In Cardiff, an OEUK medical certificate is normally valid for up to two years from the date of issue. This is the standard duration set by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) to ensure offshore workers undergo regular health checks to confirm their fitness for demanding offshore environments.

In some cases, a doctor may issue a certificate with a shorter validity period if there are health concerns that require closer monitoring. 

If a worker has a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, that requires regular review, the certificate may be limited to one year or even a few months, depending on clinical judgment.

The certificate clearly states its expiry date, and it is the worker’s responsibility to ensure it is renewed before it lapses; otherwise, they may not be permitted to travel offshore. 

Employers often assist in managing this process to ensure compliance and prevent disruptions to operations.

Is the OEUK Medical in Cardiff Confidential?

OEUK medicals in Cardiff are confidential. Employers receive only the fitness outcome (fit, fit with restrictions, or unfit). Full medical details remain private unless the worker consents to share them. This ensures compliance with UK GDPR and medical ethics.

What Are the Benefits of OEUK Medicals in Cardiff?

OEUK medicals provide several key benefits for workers, employers, and the industry in Cardiff:

• Confirm that offshore staff are medically fit for demanding environments.
• Reduce the risk of illness or medical emergencies offshore.
• Support compliance with offshore health and safety regulations.
• Provide reassurance to workers that they can perform their roles safely.
• Detect underlying health conditions early, enabling prompt treatment.
• Demonstrate an employer’s duty of care to its workforce.
• Contribute to a safer and more efficient offshore industry.

Can You Fail an OEUK Medical?

It is possible to fail an OEUK medical if you do not meet the health standards required for offshore work.

The purpose of the assessment is to confirm that workers are fit to perform their duties safely in remote and challenging environments where access to medical care is limited and evacuation may be difficult.

You may be declared unfit for offshore work if you have a medical condition that could cause sudden incapacity or seriously affect your ability to work safely. 

Examples include uncontrolled epilepsy, poorly managed diabetes, severe cardiovascular disease, significant mobility issues, or untreated sleep apnoea. Conditions that pose a risk to the individual or others offshore can result in a failed medical.

You may not fail outright but instead be issued a certificate with restrictions or a shorter validity period, which often happens when a condition is stable but requires regular monitoring, such as high blood pressure or mild diabetes. 

The doctor may issue a certificate valid for one year (or less) instead of the full two years.

If you are found unfit, the doctor will explain the reasons and may recommend treatment or further investigation. Once your condition is managed and reassessed, you may be able to pass a subsequent OEUK medical.

Is an OEUK Medical Recognised Internationally?

Many international oil and gas companies accept OEUK medical certificates as a standard. 

However, some countries or companies may also require additional assessments (e.g., Norwegian or Dutch offshore medicals), so it is best to check with the employer in advance.

Can an OEUK Medical Be Combined with Other Offshore Certificates?

An OEUK medical can often be combined with other offshore health assessments, depending on the employer’s requirements and the worker’s role. 

Since many offshore positions require multiple certifications, combining them into a single appointment can save time, reduce costs, and minimise disruption for both employees and employers.

Request a Free Consultation Today

The OEUK medical in Cardiff CF10 1 is a crucial requirement for working offshore in the UK oil and gas sector. 

It ensures that workers are medically fit, supports safety compliance, and protects the well-being of staff in remote and challenging environments.

Contact our team today to arrange your OEUK medical in South Glamorgan with an approved doctor or to learn more about offshore occupational health services.

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Make sure you contact us today for a number of great OEUK Medical services.

Here are some towns we cover near Cardiff CF10 1

Grangetown, Cathays, Canton, Fairwater, Penarth

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