Preparing for a LOLER inspection

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 are a critical part of workplace health and safety in the UK, ensuring that all lifting equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and safe to use. Preparing for a LOLER inspection is a legal requirement for businesses that operate lifting machinery, from cranes and hoists to forklifts and even patient lifts in healthcare settings.

Failing a LOLER inspection can result in serious consequences, including fines, operational shutdowns, and most importantly an increased risk of accidents. The correct preparation for a LOLER inspection is key to ensuring compliance and maintaining a safe working environment. By following best practices and proactively addressing potential issues, you can prepare for your LOLER inspection with confidence, demonstrating your commitment to safety and legal compliance.

Before LOLER, there were frequent accidents involving lifting equipment due to poor maintenance and lack of proper procedures. Existing laws, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 covered general workplace safety but lacked specific rules on lifting operations. LOLER ensured all lifting operations were properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely. It aligned with European health and safety laws, particularly the EU Work Equipment Directive.

LOLER was part of a wider effort to reduce injuries and fatalities related to lifting operations, ensuring equipment was fit for purpose and used correctly. It remains a key and important regulation in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing.

What is a LOLER inspection?

A LOLER inspection is a thorough examination of lifting equipment in order to ensure it is safe for use. Under LOLER 1998, all lifting equipment must be inspected by a competent person, this is a person with the necessary technical knowledge, training, and experience to assess equipment safety at regular intervals, typically every 6 months for equipment used to lift people, and annually for other lifting machinery.

The key aspects of a LOLER inspection include:

• Examination of equipment condition, for example wear and tear, corrosion or structural integrity.
• Verification of proper installation and maintenance, including load testing if required.
• Review of records, including previous inspection reports and maintenance logs.
• Assessment of safe working practices, for example correct use, operator training, and risk assessments.

LOLER inspections apply to a wide range of equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, hoists, lifts, scaffolding, and even patient hoists in healthcare. The duration of a LOLER inspection varies depending on several factors, including the type, size, and complexity of the equipment, as well as its usage history and the environment it is used in. Most inspections take 30 minutes to 3 hours per item, however large or complex machinery may require a full day. Well-maintained equipment speeds up the overall process, whereas any missing records or defects can delay the process.

These examinations should be carried out:

• Before first use – for new equipment or after installation.
• At regular intervals – typically every 6 months for equipment lifting people and every 12 months for other equipment. These intervals may vary based on risk assessments or manufacturer recommendations.
• Following exceptional circumstances – if an incident, damage, or environmental condition has impacted the equipment’s integrity.

What do LOLER inspectors look for?

During a LOLER inspection, the inspector who is a competent person with technical expertise checks several critical factors in order to ensure compliance and safety.

The key areas of focus include:

• Equipment integrity – inspectors look for signs of damage, excessive wear, cracks, or corrosion that could compromise safety.
• Functionality – they test safety mechanisms, brakes, controls, and emergency stop functions.
• Load capacity and markings – equipment must be clearly marked with its Safe Working Load (SWL) and only used within its limits.
• Installation and setup – proper installation, stability, and secure anchoring where applicable are checked.
• Maintenance records – up-to-date service logs and past inspection reports must be available.
• Operator training and procedures – inspectors may verify that staff are properly trained and that safe working practices are followed.

If defects are found, the equipment may be red-tagged, which means it is taken out of service until the necessary repairs are made.

Why are LOLER inspections important?

LOLER inspections are not just a legal obligation, they are a vital part of workplace safety.

The key reasons why LOLER inspections matter are:

• To prevent accidents and injuries – faulty lifting equipment can lead to catastrophic failures, causing serious injuries or fatalities. Inspections help to identify risks before they cause any harm.
• Legal compliance – failure to comply with LOLER can result in prosecution, fines, or business shutdowns. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces these regulations strictly.
• To reduce downtime and costs – regular inspections help to catch minor issues early, preventing costly breakdowns and unplanned repairs.
• Insurance and liability protection – proper LOLER compliance ensures insurance policies remain valid and reduces liability in case of accidents. LOLER compliance plays a significant role in a business’s insurance coverage, premiums, and claims eligibility. Failing to meet LOLER requirements can lead to denied claims, increased premiums, or even policy cancellations, while proper compliance helps mitigate risks and demonstrates that the correct procedures are being followed, which is important to insurers.
• To maintain operational efficiency – well-maintained equipment performs better and lasts longer, improving productivity.

By scheduling regular LOLER inspections and keeping detailed records, businesses can protect workers, avoid legal penalties, and maintain smooth operations.

LOLER regulations

Enforced under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, LOLER places responsibilities on employers, self-employed individuals, and those in control of lifting equipment to ensure that operations are planned, supervised, and executed safely.

Key elements of LOLER include:

• Ensuring equipment suitability – lifting equipment must be appropriate for the task and safe for use.
• Competent personnel – operations involving lifting must be conducted by trained and competent staff members.
• Regular inspections – equipment must be examined by a qualified person at specified intervals. Regular inspections help identify hazards before they cause harm, reducing workplace injuries and fatalities.
• Clear markings – lifting equipment must display safe working loads (SWL) and any other necessary information.
• Minimising risk – lifting activities must be planned to prevent accidents, including load falling or equipment failure.

LOLER regulations are designed to reduce the risks associated with lifting operations and ensure that equipment is used correctly, safely, and maintained properly. LOLER aims to prevent workplace accidents and injuries related to lifting operations. Lifting equipment, such as cranes, hoists, lifts, forklifts, and even slings and chains, poses significant risks if not used properly. LOLER ensures that:

• Equipment is strong and stable enough for the intended use.
• Lifting operations are properly planned and supervised.
• Loads are safely secured in order to prevent falls or swinging.

By enforcing these measures, LOLER reduces the likelihood of serious incidents, including fatalities.

LOLER places legal obligations on employers, people who are self-employed, and those in control of lifting equipment. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory under UK law, and failure to adhere can lead to:

• Legal action and fines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
• Increased liability in the event of an accident.
• Criminal prosecution if negligence leads to injury or death.

Employers have a duty of care to protect their workers, and LOLER provides clear guidelines to ensure safety is a priority.

Lifting equipment undergoes significant wear and tear due to constant use, making regular inspections and maintenance essential. LOLER mandates that:

• Equipment must be inspected by a competent person at regular intervals, typically every six or twelve months, depending on the equipment and its use.
• Any identified defects must be reported immediately and addressed before further use.
• Employers must maintain records of all inspections and maintenance work.

These requirements help identify potential hazards before they lead to equipment failure, accidents, or costly downtime.

LOLER requires that all lifting operations are:

• Properly planned by a competent person.
• Adequately supervised to ensure safe execution.
• Carried out safely in order to minimise risks.

Proper planning and organisation reduce workplace disruptions, increase efficiency, and ensure that lifting activities are performed without unnecessary risks.

LOLER not only safeguards employees who operate or work around lifting equipment but also protects the public and anyone who may be nearby. Poorly managed lifting operations can result in dropped loads, collapsing cranes, or runaway forklifts, endangering bystanders. By enforcing strict regulations, LOLER minimises these risks.

Non-compliance with LOLER can lead to severe financial and reputational consequences for businesses, including:

• Compensation claims from injured workers.
• Increased insurance premiums.
• Loss of business reputation due to unsafe practices.

LOLER works in conjunction with other health and safety regulations, such as:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – is the primary legislation governing workplace health and safety in the UK. It places a duty on employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their work activities. The key provisions include, providing a safe working environment, adequate training, risk assessments, and appropriate safety measures, places a duty on employee’s to take reasonable care of their own and others’ safety and comply with workplace safety policies. Employers must identify and mitigate workplace hazards and ensure access to facilities such as toilets, drinking water, and first aid. The Health and Safety Executive enforces the Act through inspections, investigations, and prosecutions. The Act applies to all workplaces, including offices, factories, construction sites, and public spaces. Non-compliance can lead to legal action, fines, or imprisonment.
• PUWER – this is a UK regulation designed to ensure that work equipment is safe to use and properly maintained. It applies to employers, the self-employed, and those responsible for work equipment. The key Requirements of PUWER 1998 include ensuring that equipment must be appropriate for the task and used in suitable conditions, regular inspections and servicing to keep equipment safe, ensures that workers must be adequately trained to use equipment safely, safety measures for equipment including having clear safety signs and warnings and sets out that equipment should be used in a safe environment to minimise risks. PUWER applies to all workplaces where equipment is used, including factories, construction sites, offices, and farms. It complements other health and safety laws, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, ensuring that work equipment does not pose risks to users or others. The legislation covers all work equipment, including lifting devices.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – is a key piece of UK legislation that builds on the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, requiring employers to proactively manage health and safety risks in the workplace. The key requirements are that employers must assess workplace risks to employees and others who may be affected, employers must implement measures to eliminate or reduce risks, suitable management systems must be in place, employers must appoint competent individuals to assist in health and safety management, employees must receive adequate health and safety training, employers and self-employed individuals must work together where necessary, there should be additional protections for young workers, new or expectant mothers, and temporary workers. The regulations are designed to create a structured approach to workplace health and safety, ensuring hazards are managed effectively.

By complying with LOLER, businesses also align with these broader health and safety obligations.

LOLER is a vital regulation that ensures lifting operations are conducted safely and efficiently. It protects workers, prevents equipment failures, reduces accidents, and ensures legal compliance. Adhering to LOLER not only safeguards lives but also prevents financial and reputational risks for businesses. Employers must take their responsibilities seriously, implementing proper training, maintenance, and supervision to create a safe working environment. Failure to comply with LOLER can lead to serious legal and financial consequences, as well as risks to employee safety.

Factors affecting inspection frequency

Under LOLER 1998, lifting equipment must undergo regular inspections by a competent person. While the general rule is every 6 months for equipment used to lift people and annually for other lifting machinery, several factors can influence how often inspections are required.

The key factors determining LOLER inspection frequency includes:

• The type of equipment and its use – equipment used to lift people, for example passenger lifts, construction hoists, patient hoists must be inspected every 6 months due to higher safety risks. General lifting equipment, for example cranes, forklifts and chain blocks typically requires annual inspections, unless risk assessments justify more frequent checks.
• Working environment and conditions – harsh environments, for example exposure to extreme weather, corrosive chemicals, or abrasive materials can accelerate wear, requiring more frequent inspections. High dust or moisture levels may lead to faster degradation of mechanical parts, increasing inspection needs.
• Frequency and intensity of use – heavy-use equipment, for example cranes in daily operation may need more frequent checks than rarely used machinery. Intermittent use equipment might follow standard schedules unless risk assessments suggest otherwise.
• Manufacturer’s recommendations – some manufacturers specify inspection intervals in their guidelines, which must be followed unless a competent person justifies an alternative schedule.
• A history of defects and breakdowns – if equipment has a history of frequent malfunctions or near-misses, more frequent inspections may be required in order to ensure safety. Older machinery might need closer monitoring due to increased wear.
• Legislative and insurance requirements – insurance providers may impose stricter inspection schedules than LOLER’s minimum standards. Certain industries, for example offshore or nuclear have additional legal requirements beyond standard LOLER inspections.
• Modifications or repairs – after major repairs, modifications, or accidents, an immediate inspection is required before returning the equipment to service.

A competent person who is a qualified inspector with technical expertise should determine the appropriate inspection schedule based on:

• Risk assessments.
• Equipment usage data.
• The manufacturer guidelines.
• Any previous inspection findings.

While LOLER sets minimum inspection intervals, real-world factors such as usage intensity, environment, and equipment condition can necessitate more frequent checks. Employers must ensure inspections are carried out by a competent person at suitable intervals to maintain compliance and safety.

LOLER inspection checklists

A well-structured inspection checklist is essential for ensuring compliance with LOLER. A typical checklist may include:

• Equipment identification – including serial number or unique identifier and manufacturer details.
• Visual inspection – this should check for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage and should include an inspection of load-bearing components and lifting accessories.
• Functionality tests – this should ensure mechanical components operate smoothly including testing emergency systems and brakes.
• Markings and documentation – this should verify safe working load labels and confirm that operating manuals and maintenance records are up-to-date.
• Operational checks – this should confirm load stability during lifts and assess whether controls respond correctly.

By maintaining and following an inspection checklist, businesses can ensure that lifting equipment remains compliant, reliable, and safe for use.

A LOLER certificate is a document provided following a thorough examination of lifting equipment. It indicates that the equipment complies with LOLER standards and is safe for use. While not explicitly named in the legislation, certificates are commonly issued by inspection bodies or competent persons as proof of compliance.

Key details on a LOLER certificate include:

• Description of the equipment.
• Date of the examination.
• Results of the inspection.
• Recommended date for the next examination.
• Name and qualifications of the examiner.

Employers must retain these certificates and make them available for inspections or audits.

By adhering to LOLER regulations and implementing best practices for inspections and operations, organisations can not only meet their legal obligations but also create a safer working environment for all employees.

Preparing for a LOLER inspection is not just about meeting legal obligations, it is a critical step in safeguarding your workforce, avoiding costly downtime, and maintaining operational efficiency. By understanding what inspectors look for, keeping thorough maintenance records, and addressing potential issues proactively, businesses can approach inspections with confidence. A well-prepared workplace demonstrates a commitment to safety, reduces the risk of enforcement action, and helps to create a culture where lifting operations are conducted responsibly.