From pulleys to forklifts, lifting is a vital part of everyday operations for many businesses.
Heavy lifting comes with significant risk, so it’s crucial that businesses know and comply with all regulations to ensure safe working standards. Employers have a legal duty to comply with health & safety legislation, and any sign of neglect could result in serious injury or fatality, compensation, fines, or even business closure.
The HSE recently announced that it will be reviewing health & safety regulations to make them more straightforward, but, for now, businesses must navigate the current complex legislation to manage risk. So how do you know if your equipment and practices comply with LOLER regulations?
Warehouse & Logistics News asked Gavin Scarr Hall, Director of Health & Safety at Peninsula, some questions.
What is LOLER?
Lifting equipment refers to any device, big or small, that’s used to raise or lower loads. From cranes and hoists to ropes and slings, there’s a massive range of equipment being used in workplaces, all of which is regulated.
The key legislation that employers need to understand is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). LOLER regulations place health & safety duties on people who own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment.
Guidelines are provided on how to choose suitable equipment, as well as safe positioning. LOLER also covers the performance of regular checks, examinations, and maintenance.
What are the consequences of breaching LOLER?
There are serious consequences for non-compliance with LOLER. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can issue improvement and prohibition notices or prosecute businesses that don’t adhere. Employers could also face civil liabilities, compensation claims, reputational damage and disruption to business, including productivity, lost labour and revenue.
How do you conduct a LOLER inspection?
Regular inspections are essential to ensure ongoing adherence with regulations. Numerous factors including updated working practices, legislative amendments and equipment condition all play a role when deciding how often you carry out LOLER inspections.
Lifting equipment should be checked every six months at a minimum, especially if it’s used to lift or lower people. Inspections should be conducted before using equipment for the first time, when it’s being installed or moved to another location, or when it’s been exposed to conditions that could result in deterioration.
Whilst it may seem obvious, all lifting equipment, attachments, and accessories must be of adequate strength and stability. They should be installed and positioned according to industry and manufacturing standards. There should also be clear markings that indicate the safe working load (SWL).
After each inspection, employers must complete a Thorough Examination Report to document and assess adherence to LOLER regulations, and outline any defects or issues found. Another important document is an EC Declaration of Conformity. This is a written statement that confirms your equipment meets safety standards and is safe to use.
What can we expect to see change following the HSE’s review of LOLER?
Change is on the horizon. The HSE is conducting a review of all business health & safety legislation, not just LOLER. We expect these changes to modernise and simplify the legislation, theoretically making it easier for businesses. It’s more important than ever for employers to stay up to date with all legislation, know when changes are coming, and ensure they remain compliant with all regulations. This, in turn, ensures neither your business or employees are at risk.
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