Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Chesterfield

Chesterfield is a historic market town located in north Derbyshire, just south of Sheffield and close to the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park. It is best known for its iconic Crooked Spire Church and its role as a traditional market centre. With excellent transport links via the M1 motorway and direct rail connections to cities like London, Leeds, and Nottingham, Chesterfield is strategically positioned for both business and commuter access. Its combination of heritage, connectivity, and quality of life makes it an attractive location for investment and development.

Historically, Chesterfield’s economy was built on coal mining, heavy engineering, and manufacturing, but like many towns in the region, it has successfully diversified in recent decades. Today, Chesterfield’s economy includes strong sectors such as logistics, construction, engineering, and healthcare. The town is home to several major employers including service providers, manufacturers, and regional headquarters. The Markham Vale business park, located just off Junction 29A of the M1, is a key employment site and has attracted national and international companies involved in distribution, advanced manufacturing, and commercial services.

In addition to its industrial and commercial strengths, Chesterfield has a growing service sector that includes retail, education, and tourism. The town centre has undergone significant regeneration, with improvements to public spaces, shopping areas, and transport infrastructure. Chesterfield Royal Hospital is one of the region’s largest employers, and the nearby University of Derby campus supports skills development and training. With further regeneration projects planned—such as the Chesterfield Waterside development—the town is continuing to evolve, blending its industrial heritage with new opportunities in business, leisure, and sustainable growth.

Chesterfield is surrounded by a mix of towns and villages that have long been shaped by industry, particularly coal mining, manufacturing, and quarrying. Places such as Staveley, Bolsover, and Clay Cross grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution as coal seams and ironstone were developed, attracting workers and leading to the expansion of housing, railways, and local services. These settlements became closely linked to Chesterfield as a regional centre for trade, employment, and transport.

Villages including Brimington, Hasland, Dronfield, and Wingerworth also played important roles, often combining agriculture with industrial work. Many residents worked in nearby pits, steelworks, or engineering firms, while others were employed in textiles, brickworks, and quarrying. Dronfield, in particular, developed a strong engineering and metalworking tradition, benefiting from good transport links and proximity to larger industrial towns.

Although heavy industry has declined since the late 20th century, its legacy remains visible across the area. Former industrial sites have been redeveloped into business parks, housing, and green spaces, while newer industries such as logistics, light manufacturing, and services now provide employment. Together, Chesterfield and its surrounding towns and villages reflect the wider story of Derbyshire’s industrial past and its transition into a more diverse modern economy.

For these businesses and industries, staying compliant with the Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 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 PUWER 1998

PUWER regulations place strict duties on business owners and equipment operators. Any business in Chesterfield that owns or operates work equipment must ensure that:

• Work equipment is safe to use.

• Examinations and maintenance are carried out at regular intervals.

• Inspections are conducted by a competent 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 Chesterfield – whether in heavy industry, healthcare, education, or automotive—depends on reliable, safe equipment. Regular PUWER 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 PUWER Examination?

An examination under PUWER is a detailed and legally required inspection of work equipment. Unlike simple checks or maintenance tasks, a PUWER examination must be performed by a competent person and records should be taken to document the inspection carried out, by means of an inspection report.

Frequency of Examinations

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

• On initial install – Work equipment should be inspected on initial install, after assembly at a new site or location, and prior to first being put into service.

• At suitable intervals – Whether this be decided by manufacturers guidance, or dependent on how quickly the work equipment or parts are liable to deteriorate .

• After exceptional circumstances which may jeopardise the safety of the work equipment  – Equipment must be inspected immediately if it has been modified, damaged, or relocated.

Competent Persons and Impartial Reporting

PUWER requires inspections to be carried out by a competent person—whether that be the us at SEIS, equipment supplier or highly trained operator. At SEIS, our inspections are impartial, unbiased, and always in line with UK regulations.

Types of Work Equipment Covered by SEIS in Chesterfield

Businesses in Chesterfield use a vast range of work equipment, and at SEIS we provide PUWER inspections across them all.

Industrial Power Press

• Press brakes

• Hydraulic power press

• Guillotine press

• Mechanical power press

Industrial Machinery

• CNC machines

• Lathe

• Pillar drills

• Injection moulding machines

Miscellaneous Work Equipment

• Storage racking

• Roller shutter doors

• Ladders

• Staging

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 Chesterfield businesses with impartial, expert inspections. We understand the local industries, from heavy industry 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 work equipment. This means you can trust our assessments to be impartial, unbiased, and fully in line with PUWER 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 Chesterfield

We make PUWER 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 PUWER Inspections in Chesterfield?

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

Local Knowledge of Chesterfield Industries

From 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.

Chesterfield Facts

1. Chesterfield is a large market town in Derbyshire, England, located between Sheffield and the Peak District.

2. It is best known for the Crooked Spire of the Church of St Mary and All Saints, which leans and twists due to medieval construction techniques.

3. Chesterfield has a long history as a market town, with its open-air market dating back over 800 years.

4. The town developed rapidly during the Industrial Revolution because of nearby coal mining, ironworking, and engineering industries.

5. Chesterfield sits on the River Rother, which was important for early industry and transport.

6. It has strong rail connections and lies close to the M1 motorway, making it an important transport hub.

7. Chesterfield is often called the “Gateway to the Peak District” due to its proximity to the national park.

8. The town has Roman origins, with evidence of a Roman fort and settlement in the area.

9. Chesterfield has been home to famous people, including author William Dronfield and former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who was a local MP.

10. Today, Chesterfield has a mixed economy including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism.

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Chesterfield

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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