Differences and Why LOLER And PUWER BOTH Matter For Workplace Safety

office311398
Jan 29
3 min read

When it comes to workplace safety, especially in environments that rely on machinery and lifting equipment, compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting people, assets, and productivity. Two of the most important pieces of UK legislation governing equipment safety are LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations).

Although they are often mentioned together, they serve different purposes. Understanding how they work individually — and together — is key to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

What is PUWER?

PUWER applies to all work equipment, regardless of whether it lifts, moves, cuts, presses, or processes. In simple terms, if your business uses equipment to carry out work, PUWER applies.

Under PUWER, employers must ensure that work equipment is:

Suitable for its intended use
Safe to operate and properly maintained
Inspected where necessary
Used only by trained and competent people
Accompanied by adequate information, instruction, and training

For example, a forklift truck as a complete machine falls under PUWER. This means the overall condition of the vehicle — including brakes, steering, tyres, hydraulics, safety systems, and controls — must be safe and fit for purpose.

PUWER focuses on the general safety of equipment and how it is used.

What is LOLER?

LOLER specifically applies to lifting equipment and lifting accessories. Any equipment that lifts or lowers loads — including people — must comply with LOLER.

LOLER requires that lifting equipment:

Is strong and stable enough for the intended load
Is installed and positioned correctly
Is used safely
Undergoes thorough examination by a competent person at set intervals

Using the forklift example again, LOLER applies to the lifting parts of the machine, such as:

Forks
Chains
Mast
Lifting mechanisms

These components are critical because failure could result in dropped loads, serious injuries, or fatalities.

LOLER focuses on the safety of lifting operations and lifting components.

PUWER + LOLER: Why Both Matter

A common misunderstanding is believing that if equipment has had a LOLER inspection, it doesn’t also need PUWER inspection — or vice versa. In reality, many types of equipment require both.

Take a forklift truck:

PUWER ensures the entire machine is safe to operate
LOLER ensures the lifting parts are safe to lift loads

If only LOLER is carried out, faults in steering, braking, or safety devices could be missed.If only PUWER is carried out, defects in forks, chains, or the mast could go undetected.

True compliance means addressing both regulations.

Legal Responsibilities for Employers

Employers and duty holders have a legal obligation to ensure equipment is safe and compliant. Failure to do so can result in:

Enforcement action from the HSE
Prohibition or improvement notices
Fines and prosecution
Increased risk of accidents and injuries
Downtime and costly repairs

Beyond legal consequences, regular statutory inspections demonstrate a commitment to employee safety and good operational standards.

How Often Are Inspections Required?

Typical intervals include:

LOLER

Every 6 months for lifting equipment used to lift people
Every 12 months for other lifting equipment
Or in accordance with a written scheme of examination

PUWER

At suitable intervals based on risk, usage, and manufacturer guidance

A competent inspection provider can advise on the correct frequencies for your specific equipment.

The Value of Professional Statutory Inspections

Using a competent, independent inspection provider ensures:

Compliance with legislation
Thorough and impartial assessments
Clear reporting and certification
Identification of defects before they become serious
Improved reliability and lifespan of equipment

Regular inspections are not just about compliance — they are an investment in safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

PUWER and LOLER serve different but equally important roles in keeping workplaces safe. PUWER covers the whole machine, while LOLER focuses on the lifting components. When used together, they provide a comprehensive approach to equipment safety.

If your business uses forklifts, lifting equipment, or any form of work machinery, ensuring compliance with both regulations is essential.

At Mechanical Inspection Services, we provide professional PUWER and LOLER statutory inspections to help businesses stay compliant and keep their equipment safe.

Contact us today to discuss your inspection requirements or to book your statutory examinations info@mechinspect.co.uk 0330 043 3448. 0330 0433448