LOLER Regulations: UK Lifting Equipment Safety Rules

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) were introduced to make lifting in the workplace safer. Whether it’s a simple pulley or a complex crane system, LOLER places responsibilities on employers and duty holders to ensure that equipment is safe to use, properly maintained, and operated by competent individuals.

This guide breaks down the key aspects of LOLER so you understand your responsibilities, how to stay compliant, and what the consequences are for failing to follow the law. SEIS Engineering provides comprehensive inspection and compliance services to help companies meet all LOLER requirements.

What is LOLER?

LOLER is a set of UK regulations designed to prevent accidents caused by lifting equipment. It applies to all employers and self-employed people who provide lifting equipment for use at work.

What Does LOLER Stand For?

LOLER stands for:

• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations

When Did It Come into Force?

LOLER came into effect on 5 December 1998, and is part of the wider Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 framework. It is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Why Was It Introduced?

LOLER was created in response to the high number of workplace accidents and fatalities related to lifting operations. Before LOLER, there was a lack of specific legislation addressing lifting equipment. The regulation ensures that equipment is safe for use, properly inspected, and that lifting operations are carried out in a controlled and competent manner.

When Does LOLER Apply?

LOLER applies to any equipment used for lifting or lowering loads, including accessories such as chains, slings, or eyebolts.

Examples of Lifting Equipment Covered by LOLER

Equipment Type	Description	Examples
Cranes	Equipment designed to move heavy loads vertically and horizontally	Tower cranes, mobile cranes, jib cranes
Forklifts	Industrial trucks used to lift and move materials over short distances	Warehouse forklifts, reach trucks
Hoists	Devices used for lifting or lowering a load	Passenger lifts, goods hoists, patient hoists in care homes
Lifting Accessories	Attachments used in conjunction with lifting machines	Chains, wire ropes, shackles, eyebolts, slings

Real-World Application

• Construction Site: Using a mobile crane to lift steel girders. LOLER requires the crane to be examined every 12 months, the lifting accessories every 6 months, and the operation to be planned and supervised by a qualified individual.

• Warehouse: A forklift is used to stack pallets. LOLER requires regular inspections, operator training, and a maintenance log.

• Care Home: A patient hoist is used to assist in moving residents. LOLER requires 6-monthly thorough examinations and staff to be trained in safe operation.

In all these cases, SEIS Engineering offers inspection services and safety audits to help ensure compliance with LOLER.

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What is NOT Covered?

• Escalators and Moving Walkways: Regulated under other legislation.

• Pallet Trucks: Not covered unless it raises over 300mm from the ground.

Key LOLER Requirements

To comply with LOLER, duty holders must ensure the following:

1. Equipment Suitability

Lifting equipment must be:

• Strong and stable enough for the task: This means selecting the right equipment based on load type, weight, and working environment. For instance, using a forklift to lift a heavy object on uneven ground could be unsafe unless the forklift is designed for that condition.

• Positioned to prevent risk: Equipment should not be placed where it could strike people or structures if it fails. Overhead cranes, for example, should not operate over pedestrian walkways.

• Clearly marked with Safe Working Load (SWL): All lifting equipment must show the maximum load it can safely carry. Failure to mark equipment can result in misuse and serious accidents.

2. Safe Use of Equipment

Lifting operations must be:

• Planned: Every lifting task should have a written plan that outlines the load, the equipment, the personnel involved, and any risks.

• Supervised: A competent person must oversee the operation to ensure it follows the plan and adjusts for unexpected hazards.

• Conducted by trained personnel: Operators should be trained not just in how to use the equipment, but in understanding potential risks and emergency procedures.

SEIS Engineering can assist with lift plans, operator assessments, and training.

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3. Thorough Examination and Inspection

Thorough examinations must be:

• Carried out before first use: Especially important for new installations, modified equipment, or when equipment is moved.

• Regular: Most lifting accessories and equipment lifting people need 6-monthly checks. Others require annual inspections.

• Performed by a competent person: Someone with knowledge and independence to make unbiased safety judgments.

Inspection Frequency	Equipment Type	Details
Every 6 months	Lifting accessories	Chains, slings, shackles
Every 6 months	Lifting people	Passenger hoists, medical hoists
Every 12 months	All other equipment	Cranes, forklifts, hoists not used for lifting people

All reports must include the date, examiner’s details, the equipment status, and any defects found.

4. Records and Reports

• Retain reports for at least two years, either digitally or on paper.

• Log all maintenance activities, including repairs and replacements.

• Provide reports to the HSE or insurance inspectors when requested.

Responsibilities Under LOLER

Employers and Duty Holders

They must:

• Select appropriate equipment for the task and environment

• Ensure proper installation and positioning

• Keep inspection records

• Provide adequate training and supervision

• Schedule and fund regular examinations

SEIS Engineering partners with businesses across construction, logistics, care, and manufacturing to meet these obligations.

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Competent Person Definition

This person should:

• Have practical and theoretical knowledge of lifting equipment

• Understand LOLER requirements and risk assessments

• Be impartial, especially during inspections

• Usually have engineering qualifications or lifting inspection certifications

Employee Duties

• Operate equipment as trained

• Report faults and defects immediately

• Use lifting accessories as specified

• Avoid modifying equipment without authorisation

Legal Consequences of Failing to Comply with LOLER

What Happens If You Break the Law?

Failure to comply can result in:

• Fines: These can range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of pounds

• Legal Action: Employers and managers may be prosecuted under criminal law

• Imprisonment: For the most serious breaches, such as gross negligence or repeat offences

• Injury or Death: Non-compliance can lead to tragic accidents, reputational damage, and insurance difficulties

Recent Examples

Organisation	Breach	Penalty
Building Contractor	No inspection of lifting accessories	£60,000 fine
Care Provider	Hoist failed, injuring resident	£45,000 fine + £10,000 legal fees
Warehouse Operator	Forklift collapse	£75,000 fine, director investigated

Top Tips for Staying Compliant

Maintain a Lifting Equipment Register

Include:

• Serial numbers

• Date of purchase

• Inspection intervals

• Notes on modifications or repairs

Use digital software or spreadsheets to automate reminders.

Develop a Lifting Operations Plan

• Assign a responsible person for planning

• Include risk assessments and method statements

• Document the sequence of operations and emergency procedures

Provide Training and Refreshers

• Train all staff operating or assisting in lifting operations

• Include LOLER awareness in general induction

• Run refresher courses annually or after incidents

SEIS Engineering provides bespoke LOLER training sessions for all levels of staff.

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Keep Inspection Certificates Visible

• Display inspection certificates near equipment

• Make digital copies accessible to managers and inspectors

• Update them immediately after each examination

Choose the Right Inspection Partner

• Ensure third-party providers are experienced in your sector

• Look for accreditations such as SAFed or SAFed partnered 

• SEIS Engineering is trusted by organisations across the UK to carry out LOLER inspections thoroughly and reliably

LOLER vs PUWER: What’s the Difference?

LOLER and PUWER often work together. PUWER ensures all work equipment is safe, while LOLER focuses on lifting-specific requirements.

Regulation	Purpose	Applies To
LOLER	Ensures lifting operations and equipment are safe	Cranes, hoists, slings
PUWER	Covers general safety and use of work equipment	Drills, ladders, conveyor belts

In most workplaces, both apply. For example, a forklift must be PUWER-compliant (safe and maintained), and LOLER-compliant (inspected and certified).

Summary: Key Takeaways

• LOLER ensures the safety of lifting equipment and operations

• Applies to nearly all workplaces using lifting gear, from construction to healthcare

• Requires regular inspections, documentation, and trained staff

• Legal consequences for breaches can be severe, including fines and imprisonment

• Duty holders must maintain inspection records, plan operations, and ensure equipment suitability

SEIS Engineering is here to help you remain compliant, avoid penalties, and protect your staff. Use the button below to Get in Touch.

For more official guidance, visit the HSE LOLER page.

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Frequently Asked Questions About LOLER