Why LOLER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Goole
History and industry in Goole
Goole is a port town located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, situated at the junction of the River Ouse and the Aire and Calder Navigation. Though it is relatively small in population, Goole holds a unique economic and industrial position as the UK’s most inland port, capable of handling large sea-going vessels despite being nearly 50 miles from the North Sea. Established in the 1820s as a planned industrial town to support the port and canal trade, Goole has grown into a significant hub for transport, logistics, manufacturing, and port-related services.
At the heart of Goole’s economy is its port and logistics industry. Operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), the Port of Goole handles a wide variety of cargo including timber, steel, bulk liquids, and dry goods. Its strategic location and access to inland waterways, road, and rail make it a vital logistics centre, serving both domestic and international markets. The port directly supports employment in cargo handling, shipping services, customs, and transport, and it plays a key role in the wider Yorkshire and Humber economy.
One of the most significant recent developments in Goole’s industrial landscape is the arrival of Siemens Mobility, which is constructing a £200 million rail manufacturing facility in the town. Once fully operational, this site will produce trains for the UK rail network and is expected to create hundreds of highly skilled jobs. This investment represents a major boost to Goole’s manufacturing sector and reflects a growing trend toward high-tech and advanced engineering in the area.
In addition to rail, Goole supports a strong warehousing and distribution sector. Due to its excellent connectivity via the M62, M18, and nearby rail lines, major retailers and logistics companies have set up large distribution centres in and around the town. This includes names such as Tesco, XPO Logistics, and Guardian Glass, contributing significantly to the local job market. These operations benefit from Goole’s central location in the UK and easy access to both east-west and north-south transport corridors.
Chemical manufacturing and processing are also part of Goole’s industrial profile, particularly linked to nearby Saltend and the Humber industrial cluster. The region’s history in chemical production has left a legacy of skilled labour and industrial infrastructure that continues to support chemical storage, blending, and distribution services based in or around Goole.
Agriculture and food processing contribute to the local economy as well, with Goole surrounded by fertile farmland. This supports agribusinesses involved in grain storage, food packaging, and agricultural equipment supply. The combination of farming and efficient transport links also makes Goole a key point in the regional food supply chain.
Goole’s economy is powered by a diverse mix of industries, with its port, logistics, rail manufacturing, warehousing, and engineering sectors leading the way. With major investments like Siemens Mobility and ongoing growth in transport-related industries, Goole is becoming an increasingly important economic centre in Yorkshire, blending its historic maritime roots with modern industrial development.
For these businesses and industries, staying compliant with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is not just a legal requirement—it’s also about safeguarding your employees, protecting your business reputation, and ensuring your equipment remains safe and reliable.
Legal Requirements Under LOLER 1998
LOLER regulations place strict duties on business owners and equipment operators. Any business in Goole that owns or operates lifting equipment must ensure that:
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Lifting equipment is safe to use.
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Examinations are carried out at regular, legally required intervals.
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Inspections are conducted by a competent and impartial person.
Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines, prosecution, and serious safety risks.
Protecting Your Workforce and Your Business
At SEIS, we know that every business in Goole – whether in heavy industry, healthcare, education, or automotive—depends on reliable, safe equipment. Regular LOLER inspections reduce the risk of accidents, protect your workforce, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Compliance not only keeps you legal, but also demonstrates a strong commitment to employee safety.
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