Equipment Legislation Guide - Workplace Inspection Checklists
Written by the Technical Team at Good to Go Safety
Last reviewed: July 2026
Understanding workplace equipment legislation is essential for businesses that use machinery, vehicles, tools, and lifting equipment as part of their daily operations. UK regulations are designed to ensure that equipment is safe, properly maintained, and suitable for its intended use, helping to protect employees, operators, and others from preventable workplace risks.
The Equipment Legislation Guide answers the most common questions about the laws and regulations that affect workplace equipment, including PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998), LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), WAHR (Work at Height Regulations 2005), and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This guide explains what each regulation covers, how it applies to equipment inspections and maintenance, and what responsibilities employers and employees have.
Whether you are responsible for managing workplace safety, operating equipment, or ensuring compliance within your organisation, understanding these regulations is key to creating safer working environments. From equipment inspections and lifting requirements to operator training and risk management, this guide provides clear answers to help you understand your legal responsibilities and maintain safe equipment standards.
What is workplace equipment Legislation?
Workplace equipment legislation in the UK is designed to ensure that machinery, tools, vehicles, and other work equipment are safe to use, properly maintained, and operated by competent people. These regulations help employers identify risks, prevent accidents, and protect employees and others who may be affected by workplace activities. For businesses using equipment such as forklifts, understanding the relevant legislation is essential for maintaining safe operations and meeting legal responsibilities.
The main pieces of workplace equipment legislation that apply to forklifts and other industrial equipment include PUWER, LOLER, WAHR, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Each regulation covers different aspects of workplace safety, from equipment suitability and maintenance to lifting operations and employer responsibilities.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
One of the key regulations covering workplace equipment in the UK, PUWER requires employers to ensure that equipment is suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in a safe condition, and inspected where necessary.
For forklift operations, PUWER means employers must ensure forklifts are safe to use, regularly maintained, and operated by trained and competent users. Operators should complete pre-use checks before operating a forklift, and any defects that could affect safety must be reported and corrected before the equipment is returned to service.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
This regulation applies to equipment used for lifting and lowering loads. Forklifts are covered by LOLER when they are used for lifting purposes, as the regulations focus on the safety of lifting operations and lifting equipment.
LOLER requires lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined by a competent person at suitable intervals. These Thorough Examinations are separate from daily forklift inspections and provide a detailed assessment of the forklift’s lifting components, including areas such as forks, chains, and lifting mechanisms. Employers must ensure that lifting equipment is safe before it is used and that any identified issues are addressed.
Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR)
This regulation applies when work involves a risk of falling from height. Although forklifts are not generally designed as working platforms, WAHR may apply when forklifts or attachments are used for tasks involving people working at height.
Employers must avoid work at height where possible and, where it cannot be avoided, ensure that suitable equipment and control measures are used. Forklifts should not be used for lifting people unless they are specifically designed, equipped, and approved for that purpose. Proper planning, risk assessments, and suitable training are essential to prevent falls and related injuries.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The foundation for workplace safety legislation in the UK, The Health and Safety at Work Act places general duties on employers to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees and anyone affected by their work activities.
Under the Act, employers must provide safe equipment, safe systems of work, suitable training, and effective risk management procedures. Employees also have responsibilities to follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards or defects they identify.
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