Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe, often called the “Industrial Garden Town of England,” is the largest town in North Lincolnshire and is best known for its steel industry. The town grew rapidly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries after large ironstone deposits were discovered nearby, which provided the raw materials for steel production. The arrival of railways and improved transport links enabled Scunthorpe to become a major centre for steelmaking, attracting workers from across the country and shaping the town’s growth and identity.

The steel industry has dominated Scunthorpe’s economy for over a century, with the British Steel works (formerly the United Steel Companies) providing employment for thousands of local residents. Alongside steel, other industries developed to support the workforce and supply chains, including engineering, metal fabrication, and construction materials. Local services, retail, and logistics also grew to serve the expanding population and industrial economy.

In recent decades, Scunthorpe has diversified its economy while maintaining steel as a key sector. Food processing, light manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy have all become important employers, and redevelopment of former industrial sites has provided space for business parks and commercial enterprises. Despite these changes, Scunthorpe’s identity remains closely tied to its industrial heritage and its role as a major centre of steel production in the UK.

Scunthorpe is surrounded by a mixture of towns and villages whose growth has been closely linked to industry, particularly steel production, coal, and related manufacturing. Nearby towns such as Brigg, Barton-upon-Humber, and Ashby have historically provided markets and services for the surrounding rural areas, while also participating in light industry and manufacturing. Fertile farmland around these settlements supported arable crops and livestock, supplying food to local communities and workers in the industrial towns.

Smaller villages including Elsham, Wrawby, Crosby, and Bottesford combined traditional farming with industrial employment. Many residents worked in steelworks, brickmaking, and agricultural machinery manufacturing, while rivers and railways allowed heavy goods such as coal, steel, and building materials to be transported efficiently. Scunthorpe itself became the centre of the region’s steel industry, which drove employment and growth in the surrounding villages.

In modern times, while steel remains important, the surrounding towns and villages have diversified economically. Light manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and services now provide much of the employment, alongside continuing agricultural activity. The area reflects a mix of industrial heritage and rural life, with smaller communities supporting and benefiting from the larger industrial hubs like Scunthorpe.

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 Scunthorpe 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 Scunthorpe – 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 Scunthorpe 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 Scunthorpe

Businesses in Scunthorpe 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 Scunthorpe 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 Scunthorpe

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 Scunthorpe?

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

Local Knowledge of Scunthorpe 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.

Scunthorpe Facts

1. Scunthorpe is the largest town in North Lincolnshire, England.

2. The town is historically known as the “Industrial Garden Town of England” due to its steel industry and surrounding green spaces.

3. Scunthorpe grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries after the discovery of ironstone deposits nearby.

4. The steel industry has been the main employer in the town for over a century.

5. British Steel, formerly United Steel Companies, has a major works in Scunthorpe.

6. The town developed alongside supporting industries, including engineering, metal fabrication, and construction materials.

7. Scunthorpe is well connected by road and rail, with the M180 motorway and a railway station linking it to major industrial centres.

8. Agriculture in the surrounding area historically supported the local economy, supplying food to the workforce.

9. In recent decades, Scunthorpe’s economy has diversified into logistics, light manufacturing, food processing, and renewable energy.

10. Despite modern changes, Scunthorpe’s identity and culture remain closely tied to its industrial and steelmaking heritage.

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Scunthorpe

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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