Why LOLER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Derby

History and industry in Derby

Derby, located in the East Midlands of England, is a city with a rich industrial heritage and a modern reputation for innovation and manufacturing excellence. Historically, Derby was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, with the Silk Mill—widely regarded as the world’s first factory—marking the city’s early role in industrial development. Its central location in the UK made it an ideal hub for trade, transport, and production. Over time, Derby evolved from its textile and railway roots into a key player in advanced engineering and technology.

One of the most prominent industries in Derby today is aerospace engineering. The city is home to Rolls-Royce’s civil aerospace division, which designs and manufactures jet engines used by airlines around the globe. Rolls-Royce is one of Derby’s largest employers and plays a major role in the local economy, contributing to global technological advancements while maintaining a strong research and development presence in the city. Alongside Rolls-Royce, Derby also supports a growing network of engineering firms and specialist suppliers that contribute to the wider aerospace supply chain.

In addition to aerospace, Derby is known for its strong rail and transport manufacturing sector. The city hosts Alstom (formerly Bombardier Transportation), a major rail engineering company involved in building and maintaining trains for the UK and international markets. This continues Derby’s legacy as a centre of railway innovation dating back to the 19th century. Other key industries in the city include advanced manufacturing, automotive components, and digital technologies. With its skilled workforce and links to universities and research centres, Derby remains an industrial and technological powerhouse in the UK economy.

Derby is surrounded by a range of towns and villages that have played an important role in the city’s industrial development. Places such as Ilkeston, Heanor, and Ripley to the north and west grew rapidly during the 19th century due to coal mining, ironworking, and engineering. These settlements were closely connected to Derby through canals, railways, and later roads, allowing raw materials and finished goods to move easily across the region.

To the south and east, towns and villages including Swadlincote, Melbourne, and Borrowash combined industry with agriculture. Swadlincote became well known for its coal mining and brickmaking industries, supplying building materials across the Midlands. Other villages supported lace making, textile work, and small-scale manufacturing, often alongside farming, reflecting a more mixed local economy.

In more recent times, traditional heavy industry has declined across the area, but new industries have taken its place. Business parks, logistics centres, and advanced manufacturing now provide employment, supported by Derby’s strong links to engineering and transport. The surrounding towns and villages continue to reflect Derbyshire’s industrial heritage while adapting to a more modern and diverse economy.

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 Derby that owns or operates lifting equipment must ensure that:

• Lifting equipment is safe to use.

• Examinations are carried out at regular, legally required intervals.

• 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 Derby – 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.

What is a LOLER Thorough Examination?

A thorough examination under LOLER is a detailed and legally required inspection of lifting equipment. Unlike simple checks or maintenance tasks, a LOLER examination must be performed by an impartial, competent person and results in an official Report of Thorough Examination.

Frequency of Examinations

How often your lifting equipment in Derby needs to be inspected & tested depends on its type and use:

• Every 6 months – For lifting equipment used to lift persons (e.g., passenger lifts, wheelchair lifts, patient hoists), or lifting accessories and attachments.

• Every 12 months – For other lifting equipment (e.g., cranes, forklifts, goods lifts).

• After significant changes or repairs – Equipment must be inspected immediately if it has been modified, damaged, or relocated.

Competent Persons and Impartial Reporting

LOLER requires inspections to be carried out by a competent and independent person—not by the equipment supplier or operator. At SEIS, we meet these exact criteria. Our inspections are impartial, unbiased, and always in line with UK regulations.

Types of Lifting Equipment Covered by SEIS in Derby

Businesses in Derby use a vast range of lifting equipment, and at SEIS we provide LOLER inspections across them all.

Lifts and Hoists

• Passenger lifts

• Goods lifts

• Vehicle lifts

• Wheelchair and platform lifts

Cranes and Forklift Trucks

• Overhead travelling cranes

• Mobile cranes

• Forklift trucks

• Lifting tackle and accessories

Lifting Accessories and Tackle

• Slings (chains, ropes, webbing)

• Shackles and hooks

• Lifting beams and frames

• Chain blocks and lever hoists

No matter the type of equipment on your site, SEIS ensures every examination is completed thoroughly, with full reports for your compliance records.

SEIS: Your Local Independent Inspection & Testing Company

SEIS is proud to support Derby businesses with impartial, expert inspections. We understand the local industries, from the port to food production, and we tailor our service to meet your needs.

Independent, Impartial & Compliant

As an independent inspection provider, we do not sell or repair lifting equipment. This means you can trust our assessments to be impartial, unbiased, and fully in line with LOLER regulations.

Experienced Engineer Surveyors

Our team of qualified surveyors have years of hands-on experience across multiple industries. They know exactly what to look for and how to ensure your business remains compliant without unnecessary disruption.

Minimising Disruption to Your Operations

We understand that downtime costs money. That’s why we work around your production schedule, conducting inspections efficiently and professionally so your operations continue smoothly.

Our Inspection Process in Derby

We make LOLER inspections & testing straightforward and hassle-free for local businesses.

Booking and Scheduling

Simply get in touch with our team, and we’ll arrange a time that works for you.

On-Site Examination

Our engineer surveyors visit your site and carry out thorough examinations with minimal disruption.

Report of Thorough Examination

After each inspection, you’ll receive a clear, detailed report highlighting any defects and recommended actions.

Ongoing Compliance Management

We’ll manage your inspection schedule, reminding you before your next due date. Plus, you’ll have access to our online reporting portal, so your certificates are always at your fingertips.

Why Choose SEIS for LOLER Inspections Derby?

Choosing the right inspection provider makes all the difference. Here’s why Derby businesses trust SEIS:

Local Knowledge of Derby Industries

From the heavy industry and food manufacturing to hospitals, schools, and garages, we understand the unique challenges businesses here face.

Trusted by Multiple Sectors

We provide inspections for:

• Heavy industry

• Education

• Healthcare

• Automotive

Client-Centric Approach

We pride ourselves on safety, compliance, and customer service—always putting your needs first.

Derby Facts

1. Derby is a city in Derbyshire, England, located on the River Derwent in the East Midlands.

2. It officially became a city in 1977 as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

3. Derby is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution due to early factory systems and water-powered mills.

4. The city has strong historical links to engineering and manufacturing, particularly through companies such as Rolls-Royce.

5. Derby Cathedral features a tall tower that dominates the city skyline and dates back to the 16th century.

6. The River Derwent played a key role in Derby’s industrial growth by providing power and transport routes.

7. Derby is close to the Derwent Valley Mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8. The city has a long sporting history and is closely associated with Derby County Football Club, founded in 1884.

9. Derby has Roman origins and was once the site of a Roman settlement known as Derventio.

10. Today, Derby has a diverse economy including engineering, transport, education, healthcare, and retail.

Book LOLER Inspection & Examination in Derby

Booking with SEIS is quick and easy:

✅ Call our friendly team

✅ Fill in our online booking form

✅ Get your inspection arranged around your schedule

We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your equipment is inspected thoroughly, your compliance is up to date, and your workforce is kept safe.

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