Many workers from across Europe played a vital role in developing Norway's offshore oil industry. The Norwegian authorities have established a compensation scheme for oil pioneers who worked on the Norwegian continental shelf between 1966 and 1990 and later developed certain occupational diseases linked to their work. 

The scheme is not limited to Norwegian citizens. Workers of all nationalities may be eligible. There is no requirement to have worked for a Norwegian company or to have been a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. If an eligible worker has died, compensation may also be available to surviving spouses, partners, cohabiting partners and children. 

The scheme covers a range of occupations, including roustabouts, roughnecks, assistant derrick men, derrick men, mud loggers, rig mechanics, cementers, process operators, laboratory mechanics, mechanics, electricians, automation technicians, machinists and technical cleaners.
Compensation may be available for workers diagnosed with one of the diseases covered by the scheme, including acute myelogenous leukaemia, myelodysplastic neoplasia, myelomatosis, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, throat cancer, asbestosis and solvent damage to the central nervous system. 

Applicants must document both their offshore employment during the eligible period and their diagnosis. Employment contracts, seafarers' logbooks, tax returns and professional certificates can be used as proof of employment, while medical records, case summaries or statements from a treating physician can be used to document the illness. 

The scheme is administered by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV). NAV provides information in English on eligibility, the diseases covered, the documents required and how to apply. More information is available on the NAV website

IndustriAll Europe encourages all affiliated trade unions to share this information widely, particularly with former offshore workers from across Europe who may not be aware that they are eligible to apply.