'Lose weight or your job,' Norway tells oil workers

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

According to a new order by local authorities, workers whose waistlines go above 115 cm (45.3 inches) or who weigh more than 120 kilograms (264 Pounds) could be blocked from receiving the bill of good health required to work on oil platforms, the TV2 Nyhetskanalen 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. OSLO, (AFP)