Ensuring Agricultural Safety: The Critical Role of LOLER and PUWER Inspections

Introduction

Farming is rewarding, but working with heavy machinery comes with serious risks. Without proper inspections, even routine tasks can become dangerous. Without health and safety compliance, farms, agribusinesses, and food production facilities face increased chances of accidents, legal penalties, and operational disruptions.

Is your agricultural business compliant with statutory inspection requirements? Discover how LOLER, PUWER, and PSSR regulations protect workers and enhance efficiency.

Is your lifting equipment certification up to date? Book now – Avoid non-compliance penalties!

The Importance of Health and Safety Inspections in Agriculture. (sometimes known as insurance inspections)

Farming and agri-industrial operations rely on a wide range of equipment, from tractors and telehandlers to grain silos and pressure vessels. Each of these assets requires regular health and safety inspections in the workplace to ensure safe operation and compliance with UK regulations.

Neglecting LOLER lift inspections and lifting equipment certification can lead to:

  • Equipment failures that halt productivity

  • Legal consequences due to non-compliance

  • Increased risk of injury or fatality among workers

Proactive lifting equipment inspection services prevent breakdowns, ensuring that businesses remain compliant while safeguarding workers from harm.

Key Regulations: LOLER, PUWER, and PSSR Explained

Several legal frameworks govern agricultural equipment safety. Understanding these regulations is critical for compliance:

1. LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998)

  • Applies to any lifting equipment, including forklifts, cranes, and telehandlers.

  • Requires LOLER lifting equipment inspections at prescribed intervals.

  • Ensures full lifting equipment certification and compliance.

2. PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)

  • Covers all workplace equipment, including tractors, augers, and conveyors.

  • Ensures machinery is fit for purpose, well-maintained, and used correctly.

  • Requires PUWER inspectors to assess risks and compliance.

3. PSSR (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000)

  • Governs pressurised agricultural equipment such as air compressors and sprayers.

  • Requires PSSR 2000 Pressure System inspectors to conduct statutory inspections.

  • Prevents catastrophic failures of pressure systems.

Regular inspections under these regulations are mandatory to maintain safety and operational continuity. Book your inspection today!

Comparison of Inspection Requirements

Need help determining which inspections your agri-business requires? Contact a certified inspector today to ensure full compliance.

Essential Workplace Safety Inspections for Agricultural Operations

Agricultural businesses must conduct statutory inspections to prevent mechanical failures and ensure insurance compliance. These include:

  • Lifting Equipment Testing and Certification – Ensures that lifting equipment functions safely.

  • Workplace Equipment Safety Certification Leicester – Ensures all workplace machinery complies with PUWER and LOLER standards, preventing accidents and legal issues.

  • LOLER Inspection Services Leicester – Legally required for all lifting equipment used in farming.

  • Industrial Inspections – Comprehensive assessments of plant equipment, including PSSR compliance.

  • Engineering Inspections – Evaluates mechanical integrity and operational safety of agricultural machinery.

  • Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) Inspections UK – Ensures the safe operation of aerial work platforms in agricultural settings.

  • Lifting Equipment Inspections Near Me – Ensures compliance with LOLER regulations for all lifting devices used in agricultural operations.

  • Agricultural Equipment PUWER Compliance – Ensures all farm machinery meets safety standards and is fit for purpose under PUWER regulations.

Without proper inspections, agricultural businesses risk operational shutdowns and safety breaches.

The Role of LOLER Inspectors in Agriculture

Forklift LOLER Certification Leicester inspectors are qualified professionals responsible for assessing the safety and compliance of lifting equipment. Their inspections include: 

  1. Load Testing – Evaluating the structural integrity of lifting devices.

  2. Thorough Examination Reports – Issuing certification for lifting equipment inspection services.

  3. Advising on Safe Usage – Recommending necessary repairs or decommissioning unsafe equipment.

  4. Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) Inspections UK – Conducting critical assessments to ensure MEWPs meet LOLER and PUWER compliance requirements.

  5. Lifting Equipment Inspections Near Me – Providing local, certified inspections to ensure agricultural lifting equipment remains safe and compliant.

  6. Agricultural Equipment PUWER Compliance – Conducting inspections to verify that tractors, augers, and other farm machinery comply with PUWER safety standards.

  7. Workplace Equipment Safety Certification Leicester – Conducting statutory inspections to certify that farm and industrial equipment meets UK health and safety regulations.

Regular LOLER inspections are not just a legal requirement; they are a safeguard against accidents that can cost lives and livelihoods. Be safe, book your LOLER inspection services Leicester today to ensure full lifting equipment certification! 

FAQs on LOLER, PUWER, and Health and Safety Compliance

1. How often do agricultural businesses need LOLER inspections?

LOLER regulations require lifting equipment to be inspected every six months for personnel lifting equipment and lifting attachments, like shackles and slings. For most other lifting equipment every 12 months. More frequent checks may be necessary depending on usage.

2. What is the difference between LOLER and PUWER inspections?

  • LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment, ensuring it is safe for use.

  • PUWER compliance Testing UK covers all work equipment, including tractors and processing machines, ensuring they are suitable for operation and properly maintained.

Book a LOLER Inspection in Leicester or Contact Us for a LOLER/PUWER Inspection

3. Do I need a PSSR inspection for farm equipment?

Yes, if your farm uses pressurised systems such as air compressors or ammonia storage tanks, you must comply with PSSR inspection requirements.

4. Who is responsible for organising workplace safety inspections?

The duty holder, usually the farm owner or operations manager, must arrange health and safety and industrial inspections in the workplace to meet statutory obligations.

5. What happens if my lifting equipment fails an inspection?

If lifting equipment certification is not granted due to safety concerns, the equipment must be removed from service immediately until repairs or replacements are made.

6. Can a non-specialist conduct statutory inspections?

No. LOLER, PUWER, and PSSR inspections must be conducted by a competent inspector with expertise in industrial safety inspections.

For further details on regulatory compliance, refer to HSE UK’s official guidelines.

Conclusion

Agricultural operations cannot afford to overlook statutory safety inspections. Ensuring compliance with LOLER, PUWER compliance testing UK, and PSSR regulations minimises risks, enhances productivity, and protects workers from serious harm.

Are your agri-businesses lifting and pressure systems compliant? Schedule an expert inspection today to guarantee workplace safety and avoid costly legal consequences.