What Is LOLER & PUWER – And Why It Matters for Care Providers

When it comes to the care sector, the safety and well-being of residents, patients, and staff is not just a priority—it’s a legal responsibility. If your facility uses equipment like patient hoists, slings, stand aids, bath lifts, or any mechanical handling devices, you are required to meet strict safety regulations. Two of the most important are LOLER and PUWER.

But what do these regulations actually mean for you? And how can Safer Lifts Ltd help make sure you’re not only compliant but protecting those who depend on you?

Understanding the Regulations

🔧 PUWER: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)

PUWER applies to all work equipment used by employees, including care staff. It requires that:

• Equipment is suitable for the intended use.

• It is maintained in a safe condition.

• Users are trained and competent.

• Appropriate safety measures are in place (guards, markings, instructions).

  
  

✅ In a care setting, PUWER covers everything from patient handling equipment to wheelchairs, adjustable beds, slings, and bath lifts.

🏗️ LOLER: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (1998)

LOLER is more specific—it applies to equipment used for lifting people or loads, and it introduces a further level of responsibility:

• Lifting equipment must be strong, stable, and marked with safe working loads (SWL).

• Thorough examinations must be carried out by a competent person at regular intervals:

  • Every 6 months for equipment lifting people.

  • Every 12 months for other lifting equipment.

• Records must be kept and available for inspection.

• Equipment must be removed from service immediately if found to be unsafe.

✅ In a care home or hospital, LOLER applies to many pieces of equipment including patient hoists, ceiling track hoists, stand aids, slings and baths

Why It Matters

1. Legal Compliance

LOLER and PUWER are legal requirements. Failing to comply can result in:

• Enforcement Action from the HSE or CQC (Health & Safety Executive).

• Legal liability in the event of an accident.

• Damage to your facility

  ’s reputation and trust.

• Loss of revenue, site closure or worse

2. Resident Safety

Many service users in care environments rely on lifting equipment for daily movement. If equipment fails due to lack of inspection or maintenance, it puts vulnerable people at serious risk of injury or harm.

3. Staff Protection

Improper or faulty equipment exposes your staff to musculoskeletal injuries, falls, and emotional distress. Safe equipment keeps your team protected and productive.

Common Misunderstandings

❌ “We already service our equipment in house, so we don’t need LOLER inspections.”

Wrong. Servicing and LOLER inspections are not the same. LOLER requires a formal examination by a competent person, independent of routine servicing. It is a legal inspection with defined frequency and documentation standards.

❌ “We only use this equipment occasionally, so it’s low risk.”

Incorrect. The frequency of use doesn’t reduce your legal obligation. If the equipment is used at all, it must be inspected on schedule.

How Safer Lifts Ltd Can Help

At Safer Lifts Ltd, we specialise in ensuring care providers like you meet all LOLER and PUWER requirements efficiently and affordably.

✅ Our Services Include:

• LOLER Thorough Examinations: Carried out by fully trained engineers every 6 months as required.

• PUWER Assessments: Ensure all your workplace equipment is suitable, safe, and properly maintained. Recommended every 12 months.

• Clear Reporting: We provide detailed, compliant inspection reports and highlight any urgent actions.

• Advice & Planning: We’ll remind you when inspections are due and help plan equipment replacements or repairs.

• 24/7 Online Access: Your documents available online 24/7/365

📞 Need Help Now?

We offer free consultations to assess your compliance needs. Whether you manage one care home or a group of facilities, we’ll build a plan tailored to your equipment and your budget. You can all us on 01423 393361 or reach out to sales@saferlifts.co.uk.

Final Thoughts

LOLER and PUWER may sound like complicated legalese—but they’re about something very simple: protecting people. At Safer Lifts Ltd, we take pride in helping care providers maintain the highest standards of safety, compliance, and compassion.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem to take compliance seriously. Let’s make sure your equipment—and your care standards—are lifting lives, not risks.