LOLER Inspections: Are You Leaving Your Business Exposed to Legal Risks?

Many employers and self-employed individuals in the agricultural industry could unknowingly be in breach of the law by failing to properly inspect their machinery.

According to Geoff Martin, chairman of CFTS — a leading accreditation body for Thorough Examinations in the agricultural, industrial, and construction sectors — businesses may be overlooking essential steps in maintaining legal compliance.

“Come and see us at LAMMA 2025 on the 15th and 16th of January at the NEC Birmingham. You’ll find a warm welcome at stand 120, where we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do to meet current regulations,” says Mr Martin.

By visiting the CFTS LAMMA stand, you’ll find out how you can:

• Ensure your equipment complies with LOLER (lifting mechanisms) and PUWER (safety-critical parts like brakes, tyres, and steering).

• Avoid the risk of non-compliance, prosecution, and financial penalties.

• Understand the difference between routine maintenance and legally required inspections.

• Get peace of mind knowing your operations are safe and fully certified.

• Discover how CFTS’ nationwide network of accredited providers offers support, guidance, and full transparency in their inspections.

What’s the Difference Between a LOLER Inspection and a Thorough Examination?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates that a wide variety of equipment, including forklifts, telehandlers, tractors etc. undergoes a Thorough Examination. This includes inspection under both LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998).

“LOLER covers the lifting components — such as forks, chains, and the mast — whereas PUWER addresses critical safety elements, including tyres, steering, and brakes,” Mr Martin explains. “It’s important to understand that compliance means meeting both sets of standards. While you may handle routine maintenance in-house, only a Competent Person is authorised to conduct a full Thorough Examination. We’ll explain what that means when you visit us at LAMMA.”

Is Your Inspection Really Up to Standard?

Although LOLER is widely known within the industry, many businesses are unaware that PUWER is equally vital, leading to gaps in their inspections and heightened legal risk.

“Many businesses assume their insurance-related inspections cover all necessary checks, but this isn’t always the case,” says Mr Martin. “It’s important to ask your provider whether their inspection includes both LOLER and PUWER regulations. Relying on a partial inspection could leave you liable if the HSE comes calling.”

Mr Martin continues: “You’re not bound to use your insurance provider’s inspection service. You can choose the provider that best meets your needs and protects both your equipment and your business.”

Without a Thorough Examination, there’s no guarantee that your operations are safe or legally compliant. If an incident occurs due to faulty equipment, you’re not only risking your operators’ safety but also putting your entire business at risk of legal action. Non-compliance with LOLER and PUWER could result in prosecution and hefty fines.

Farm Safety at Risk: Half of Vehicle-Related Deaths Could Have Been Prevented

HSE data shows that 50% of fatalities involving moving vehicles on farms could have been avoided if proper inspections under PUWER, including checks on brakes and steering, had been carried out.*

Mr Martin sums up: “Choosing a CFTS-accredited provider ensures that you receive a genuine Thorough Examination. Our examiners identify small issues before they become serious, and you’ll receive a detailed report and certificate, so you’re clear on what has been inspected.”

CFTS boasts a network of more than 800 accredited depots across the UK. Visit stand 120 at LAMMA to find your nearest provider and get expert advice on what your equipment needs — and how often it should be inspected.

If you would like to book a slot for a more in-depth chat with a CFTS team member at LAMMA, please drop a line to: technical@thoroughexamination.org

Register for LAMMA at https://bit.ly/LAMMA25CFTS 

CFTS established a national standard for Thorough Examinations in the UK fork lift truck industry. For more details, please visit www.thoroughexamination.org or call 01344 623 800. 

* https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/safe-vehicle/