In this guide, we’ll look at what LOLER stands for, what equipment it applies to, and what happens if your business breaches these health and safety rules.
From pulleys to forklifts, many businesses use lifting techniques every day. The most applicable law that applies to these tasks is the ‘Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations’ or LOLER.
These regulations ensure businesses follow safe working standards when moving loads from one position to another. Employers have a legal duty to comply with these health and safety rules. Any sign of neglect could result in serious injuries, compensation penalties, and even business closure.
In this guide, we’ll look at what does LOLER stand for, what equipment it applies to, and what happens if your business breaches these health and safety rules.
What is LOLER?
LOLER stands for the ‘Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998’. They place health and safety duties on people who own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment.
Under the regulations, employers receive guidelines on choosing suitable equipment, as well as safe positioning. LOLER also covers how to perform regular checks, examinations, and maintenance on lifting equipment.
Employers must ensure all lifting operations and lifting equipment comply with LOLER. This extends to any staff members who use personal lifting equipment as part of their duties. Lifting equipment hired from contractors or external suppliers are also subject to LOLER.
What is a lifting operation?
A lifting operation is any task or plan that involves raising or lowering a load. (A load is an item/s being lifted by one or more people).
Lifting operations are usually run by a competent person or team. From planning to output, every level of your lifting operation should have a skilled and qualified person in charge.
What is a lifting equipment?
A lifting equipment is any device that’s used to raise or lower loads. This includes attachments or accessories used for anchoring, fixings, or supporting equipment. For example, forklifts, cranes, and even hoists.
Lifting equipment should have markings that indicate their ‘safe working load’ (SWL). This number means loads must not surpass this weight for safety reasons.
Is LOLER a legal requirement?
Yes, LOLER is a legal requirement that all businesses must comply with. If you conduct tasks or projects that involve lifting equipment, it’s subject to compliance. That means employers must:
- Ensure lifting operations are planned, supervised, and carried out by a competent person.
- Conduct risk assessments.
- Provide adequate training and supervision.
- Maintain, inspect, and certify equipment regularly.
- Keep records of findings.
What happens if you breach LOLER?
If your business breaches LOLER legislation, you could face serious repercussions. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the authority to issue improvement and prohibition notices. They can even prosecute businesses found with serious negligence issues.
In cases of non-compliance, employers could face civil liabilities, compensation claims, and reputational damages. This usually relates to injury and damage on staff or even the public. Accidents like these can lead to serious long-term sickness and even death.
Any one of these issues can also lead to disruption for your business. Not only within productivity, but also through loss of labour and revenue. The business itself could face serious reputational damage and even face threats of possible closure.
How often should LOLER inspections take place?
There are numerous factors that play a role in how often LOLER inspections should take place. Work procedures may update, legislative duties could amend, and even equipment corrodes over time.
At a minimum, employers should test lifting equipment every six months (including accessories). Other equipment relating to lifting should be checked every 12 months. However, you may be required to inspect your equipment again based on legislative changes or company requirements.
What is the difference between LOLER and PUWER?
The main difference between the two laws is that LOLER focuses on lifting equipment, whilst PUWER covers a wide range of work equipment.
PUWER is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Here, employers must carry out inspections and maintenance on all work-related equipment, including lifting and non-lifting.
Along with these lifting regulations, employers may also need to comply with:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HWSA).
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPER).
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR).
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW).
- The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.
Employers should also adhere to the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice on Safe Use of Lifting Equipment. Whilst ACOP isn’t legally binding, it is connected to safe working practices for lifting.
Does public equipment need to comply with LOLER?
LOLER only applies to work equipment, not public equipment. That means things like escalators, conveyor systems, and moving walkways aren’t subject to LOLER. Shopping centre lifts and home stairlifts are also not included.
Despite that, public lifting equipment does have its own safety risks. If these are applicable to your business, you could be subject to health and safety legislation that prevents injuries and accidents from occurring.
What equipment is LOLER relevant to?
A lifting equipment is any device that’s used to raise or lower loads. This includes attachments or accessories used for anchoring, fixings, or supporting equipment. For example:
- Forklifts.
- Cranes.
- Hoists.
- Mobile elevating work platforms.
- Vehicle-inspection platform hoists.
- Ropes and slings.
- Chains and hooks.
- Spreader beam.
- Magnetic or vacuum devices.
Get expert advice on LOLER regulations with Peninsula
When it comes to health and safety, employers must comply with LOLER and all relevant legislations. These regulations provide the best practices when it comes to lifting equipment – promoting safe working standards for all.
Peninsula is here to provide expert advice on LOLER. We offer 24-hour H&S advice –ensuring your lifting operations are safe, proper, and compliant with the law.
Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with one of our Construction Health and Safety consultants today.
