A quick guide to LOLER

What is LOLER and why it matters

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (1998). These UK regulations are designed to ensure that lifting equipment is safe to use at work. LOLER is enforced under the Health and Safety at Work Act and applies to employers and people who control lifting operations.

Why is it important? Because unsafe lifting equipment can lead to serious injury or worse. LOLER sets the standard for safe lifting operations across industries like construction, manufacturing, offshore, and logistics.

Who enforces LOLER?
The British Health and Safety Executive enforces LOLER within the UK. 

Key LOLER requirements and regulations

• Plan lifting operations carefully.
• Ensure they are supervised by a competent person.
• Use equipment that is strong, stable, and suitable.
• Clearly mark equipment with its Safe Working Load (SWL).
• Schedule and conduct thorough examinations.
• Record all inspections and actions taken.
• Report defects to the enforcing authority.
  
  

What is the Safe Working Load (SWL)?
It’s the maximum load that equipment can lift safely.

All lifting equipment has to go through thorough examination before use.

LOLER inspection checklist and process

LOLER requires regular thorough examinations. Here’s what you need to know:

Inspection intervals

• Every 6 months: For lifting accessories and equipment used to lift people.
• Every 12 months: For all other lifting equipment.
• Before first use, if no valid certificate.
• After significant repairs or part replacements.
• If moved, modified, or involved in an incident.

What should be checked?

• Equipment condition and wear
• Clear SWL markings
• Load-bearing components
• Safety mechanisms
• Structural integrity
• Records of previous defects and repairs

What is a thorough examination?
An in-depth inspection conducted by a competent person to make sure the equipment is safe to use.

There are several things that needs to be checked to stay LOLER compliant.

How to maintain LOLER compliance

Staying compliant with LOLER isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting people and avoiding costly downtime.

Follow these best practices:

• Use lifting equipment only for its intended purpose.
• Keep lifting accessories clearly marked and inspected.
  
• Schedule all LOLER inspections ahead of time.
  
• Keep up-to-date written records.
  
• Train staff on lifting procedures and equipment checks.
  
• Fix and report defects immediately.

Do you need to inspect hired equipment?
Yes. You're responsible for ensuring all equipment is safe, even if it’s hired.

PUWER and related rules

LOLER often works alongside PUWER — the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998). While LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment, PUWER covers all work equipment and requires it to be safe, maintained, and used properly.

If you use lifting equipment, you must comply with both sets of regulations.

Other related rules and regulations include:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)
• MHOR (Manual Handling Operations Regulations)
  
  

When do PUWER and LOLER overlap?
When lifting equipment is used at work, it must meet both PUWER and LOLER requirements.

Read about PUWER maintenance and inspections here.

The 2025 LOLER review

In 2025, the UK Government and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a review of LOLER aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and improving clarity.

The review is still ongoing, but it may lead to future changes in how LOLER inspections are scheduled and reported. 

Will LOLER requirements change in 2025?
Possibly. Early-stage consultations are exploring simplifications but nothing is final yet.

How Onix helps with LOLER compliance

• Schedule inspections and get automatic reminders. 
• Create, sign, and distribute digital inspection reports.
• Keep secure, tamper-proof records.
• Track Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and thorough examination statuses.
• Easily demonstrate compliance during audits.

Is digital documentation accepted under LOLER?
Yes. As long as it's secure and traceable.

Start smarter management pf your LOLER compliance 

LOLER isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s about creating a safer work environment.

With Onix Work, you can manage inspections, documentation, and compliance workflows in one simple platform. 

Get in touch to learn how we can help you reduce risk, save time and stay compliant.