FAQs

What is LOLER 1998 and How Fox Engineering Safety Can Help You Stay Compliant

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (commonly referred to as LOLER 1998) is a set of UK health and safety regulations introduced under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. These regulations are designed to reduce the risk of injury from lifting operations in the workplace, whether those involve heavy machinery, cranes, lifting accessories, or manual lifting equipment. LOLER applies to all sectors and industries where lifting equipment is used, including construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and even the service sector.

Key Requirements of LOLER

LOLER places legal duties on employers and those who own, operate, or control lifting equipment. The core requirements of the regulations include:

1. Thorough Examination and Inspection: All lifting equipment must undergo regular thorough examinations by a competent person. This inspection is not the same as routine maintenance or pre-use checks; it must be carried out at specified intervals (usually every six or twelve months, depending on the equipment and usage) and recorded.

2. Safe Use of Equipment: All lifting operations must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely. This means taking into account the load, the environment, and the equipment's suitability.

3. Equipment Suitability: Employers must ensure that lifting equipment is suitable for the task and that it is marked with the appropriate safe working loads (SWLs).

4. Training and Competence: Workers involved in lifting operations must be properly trained and competent in the safe use of lifting equipment.

5. Record Keeping: Detailed records of examinations and defects must be maintained. If any issues are found during inspection, immediate corrective action is required.

Failure to comply with LOLER can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and prosecutions, as well as a heightened risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

How Fox Engineering Safety Can Help You Stay Compliant

At Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance, we understand that navigating health and safety regulations like LOLER can be complex and time-consuming. Our team of experts is here to make compliance straightforward, efficient, and fully tailored to your business needs. Here’s how we can help:

1. Competent Person Services: LOLER requires that all thorough examinations be conducted by a ‘competent person’—someone with the necessary knowledge, experience, and independence to inspect lifting equipment. Fox Engineering provides fully qualified engineers to carry out LOLER inspections on your behalf, ensuring all legal requirements are met.

2. Scheduling and Notifications: We manage your LOLER inspection schedule for you, so you never miss a statutory inspection. Our proactive system alerts you when equipment is due for examination, reducing the risk of non-compliance and operational downtime.

3. Detailed Reporting and Documentation: After each inspection, we provide clear, easy-to-understand reports with photographic evidence and professional recommendations. Our digital record-keeping system ensures you have instant access to all compliance documents when needed, whether for internal audits or visits from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

4. Compliance Integration: For clients with broader health and safety needs, we can integrate LOLER compliance into a full workplace safety strategy. This holistic approach ensures that lifting operations are not managed in isolation but form part of a wider culture of safety and compliance.

In Summary

LOLER 1998 plays a critical role in protecting workers from the dangers associated with lifting equipment. Compliance is not only a legal requirement but also essential for promoting a safe and efficient working environment. Fox Engineering Safety provides expert support to ensure your business meets all the obligations under LOLER—from inspections and ongoing consultancy. By partnering with us, you can operate with confidence, knowing that your lifting equipment is legally compliant, safe to use, and fully aligned with best practice.

Our service is entirely client-focused, ensuring that:

• Inspections are scheduled at a time that suits you, minimising disruption and costs to your business.

• We work closely with you to arrange inspections well before compliance deadlines.

• Additional inspection requests are handled promptly.

• The same experienced and qualified Engineering Surveyors are dedicated to your account, fostering long-term, efficient working relationships.

LOLER (1998)
https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm

PUWER (1998)
https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/puwer.htm

Yes, we’ll get in touch to ensure your inspections are scheduled well before their due date, keeping your equipment compliant. Our goal is to make the booking process as straightforward as possible for you.

Yes, we prioritise building strong working relationships with our customers. Assigning a dedicated Surveyor allows them to become familiar with your site and equipment, making the inspection process smoother and minimising disruption to your operations.