Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Boston

Boston is a historic market town located in Lincolnshire, in the East Midlands of England. It is best known for its rich medieval heritage, particularly the iconic St Botolph’s Church—locally known as “The Stump”—which is one of the tallest parish churches in the UK. Boston played a key role in England’s trading history, serving as a significant port in medieval times. Its links to the Hanseatic League and its role in the story of the Pilgrim Fathers have given it both historical and cultural importance. Today, the town serves as a commercial and administrative centre for the surrounding agricultural region.

Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Boston’s economy, as it is located in one of the most fertile and productive farming areas in the UK—the Fens. The region produces a wide range of crops, including vegetables, flowers, and cereals, and Boston serves as a hub for food processing, packaging, and distribution. Numerous packhouses and cold storage facilities operate in and around the town, supplying both domestic and international markets. Additionally, the Port of Boston continues to support trade by handling bulk goods and agricultural exports, playing a vital role in supporting the local supply chain.

In recent years, Boston has also seen growth in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The town has a large migrant workforce, particularly from Eastern Europe, which has supported the labour-intensive agricultural and food processing industries. Efforts are being made to diversify the local economy, with investment in infrastructure, skills training, and regeneration projects aimed at boosting employment and modernising the town centre. While Boston remains deeply rooted in agriculture, it is steadily evolving to meet the demands of a more varied and modern economy.

Boston, Lincolnshire is surrounded by towns and villages whose development has been strongly influenced by agriculture, trade, and the waterways of the Fens. Nearby places such as Spalding, Sleaford, and Horncastle grew as market towns serving the rich farming land of the region. The fertile soil supported large-scale arable farming, particularly vegetables, cereals, and later sugar beet, making agriculture the foundation of the local economy.

Smaller villages including Kirton, Frampton, Wyberton, and Leverton combined farming with food processing and related industries. Milling, drainage engineering, and later food packing and canning became important as technology improved. The River Witham, the Haven, and an extensive network of drains and canals allowed goods to be transported efficiently, helping Boston develop as an important port for exporting agricultural produce.

In the modern era, industry around Boston has continued to evolve. Food production, storage, and distribution remain major employers, alongside logistics and light manufacturing. While traditional industries have modernised, the surrounding towns and villages still reflect Boston’s long-standing role as a centre for farming, trade, and transport within the Lincolnshire Fens.

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 Boston 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 Boston – 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 Boston 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 Boston

Businesses in Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston

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 Boston?

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

Local Knowledge of Boston 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.

Boston Facts

1. Boston is a market town and port in Lincolnshire, England, located on the River Witham.

2. The town’s name comes from “Botolph’s town,” named after St Botolph.

3. Boston was one of England’s most important medieval ports, especially for the wool trade.

4. St Botolph’s Church, known as “The Stump,” has one of the tallest parish church towers in England.

5. Boston developed extensive links with the Low Countries through trade during the Middle Ages.

6. The surrounding Fens provided fertile farmland, supporting agriculture and trade.

7. The Boston Stump has been used as a landmark for sailors navigating the Wash.

8. Boston played a role in the Protestant Reformation, with the “Boston Martyrs” remembered in the town.

9. The town later developed industries such as milling, food processing, and port-related trade.

10. Today, Boston has a mixed economy including agriculture, food production, logistics, retail, and services.

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Boston

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.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Type Comment

Company Name *

Location Postcode *

Phone Number *

Email *

My Enquiry Is Regarding *- Select -LOLERPSSRPUWERCOSHH

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Fork Lift Truck / Mobile Hydraulic HandlerCrane - Overhead / Goliath / Mobile etcPassenger lift / Goods lift / Platform liftPatient hoist / Patient sling(s) / Stair lift / Wheelchair Stair liftChain hoists & blocks / Lifting attachments / Lifting ancillaries / Lifting tackleVehicle lifts / Vehicle jack / Engine craneMobile Elevating Work PlatformTailboard lift / Lorry mounted crane / HIABOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Air receiver / Air compressor / Air oil receiver / Expansion vesselAir dryer units / Abrasive blast potsRefrigeration system(s)Steam boiler - Horizontal / VerticalSteam receivers / Steam heated roller / Steam heated platen / Blow down vessel / Steam jacketed panAutoclave / Coffee steam boilerWritten scheme of examination write up & certificationOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Pallet truck - Manual / PoweredLadders / StagingCNC machine / Industrial machineryPower pressStorage rackingAxle stands / hand toolsRoller shutter doorsOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Local exhaust ventilationWelding extractors / Welding hoodsDust extraction systemsFume cupboardOther

Comment or Message

Submit

PUWER Inspections & Examinations Boston FAQ's