Why LOLER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Halifax
History and industry in Halifax
Halifax, located in West Yorkshire, is a historic market town known for its significant role in the Industrial Revolution, particularly in the wool and textile industries. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Halifax became a powerhouse for woollen cloth production, with mills and factories dominating the landscape. The wealth generated during this era led to the construction of many of the town’s iconic buildings, including the impressive Piece Hall, a former cloth hall now restored as a cultural and commercial hub. While large-scale textile production has declined, the legacy of craftsmanship and industrial heritage still influences the town’s identity and economy.

Today, Halifax has a diverse and evolving economy. One of its most notable sectors is financial services, with Lloyds Banking Group maintaining a major operations centre in the town (a legacy of the Halifax Building Society, which was founded there). This makes financial services one of the town’s largest employers. Additionally, manufacturing continues to play a key role, particularly in engineering, machine tools, food production, and packaging. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in industrial estates around Halifax supply components and finished products both nationally and internationally, helping to maintain the town’s industrial character.
Halifax is also seeing growth in the creative industries, tourism, and retail sectors. The transformation of the Piece Hall into a thriving venue for events, art, and independent shopping has boosted the town’s cultural appeal and visitor numbers. The town is also home to Nestlé’s Halifax factory, which plays a significant role in food and confectionery manufacturing. With ongoing regeneration projects and strong transport links to Leeds, Bradford, and Manchester, Halifax is successfully combining its rich industrial past with modern economic growth across multiple sectors.

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 Halifax 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 Halifax – 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.
Book LOLER Inspection