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The agricultural environment is one of the most dynamic and potentially hazardous sectors, demanding strict adherence to health and safety regulations. Among the key legislative frameworks in the UK designed to ensure safety in such environments are the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998. Both sets of regulations impose responsibilities on duty holders to safeguard operators, workers, and the public from risks associated with equipment and machinery.
The Importance of LOLER and PUWER in Agriculture
LOLER is primarily concerned with the safe use of lifting equipment, ensuring that all lifting operations are properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent personnel. In agriculture, lifting equipment is widely used, from tractors with front loaders to telehandlers and cranes. Ensuring the safety of such operations is critical, as improper use or poorly maintained equipment can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
PUWER, on the other hand, focuses on ensuring that all work equipment is suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in a safe condition, and used only by competent individuals. The diversity of machinery in agriculture—including tractors, ploughs, balers, and combine harvesters—necessitates a rigorous approach to compliance with PUWER.
In an agricultural setting, these regulations are crucial for several reasons:
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Reducing Risk of Injury: Both LOLER and PUWER minimise the risks of accidents caused by equipment failure or improper use.
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Ensuring Equipment Reliability: Regular inspection and maintenance as required by these regulations enhance the reliability and longevity of machinery.
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Promoting Safe Practices: By adhering to LOLER and PUWER, farms foster a culture of safety, protecting workers and reducing liability.
Key Principles and Duties of the Duty Holder
Under LOLER, duty holders are responsible for:
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Thorough Examination: All lifting equipment and accessories must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals (typically six months for lifting accessories and annually for lifting equipment).
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Safe Operation: Lifting operations must be planned, supervised, and executed in a manner that ensures safety.
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Load Safety: Equipment must be strong, stable, and capable of handling the maximum load.
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Maintenance Records: Accurate records of inspections and maintenance must be kept and made available when required.
PUWER places the following responsibilities on duty holders:
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Suitability: Work equipment must be suitable for its intended purpose and used under conditions it is designed for.
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Maintenance: Equipment must be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly.
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Training: Operators must be adequately trained and competent to use the equipment.
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Safety Measures: Appropriate safety measures, such as guards and emergency stop devices, must be in place.
Example: Agricultural Tractor and Attachments
An agricultural tractor and its attachments illustrate how LOLER and PUWER requirements apply in practice:
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LOLER Compliance: If a tractor is equipped with a front loader for lifting bales or pallets, the lifting operation must be planned and carried out safely. The front loader, as a lifting attachment, must undergo regular thorough examinations, and its safe working load (SWL) must be clearly marked. Any slings or chains used for lifting must also comply with LOLER standards.
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PUWER Compliance: The tractor itself, along with any non-lifting attachments such as ploughs or seed drills, must meet PUWER requirements. This includes ensuring the equipment is fit for purpose, regularly maintained, Inspected periodically by a competent person, and operated only by trained personnel. For instance, the power take-off (PTO) shaft must have an appropriate guard to prevent entanglement.
How Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance Can Help
Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance specialises in helping agricultural businesses meet their LOLER and PUWER obligations effectively. Our services include:
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Equipment Inspections: We provide thorough LOLER examinations and PUWER inspections, ensuring all equipment meets statutory requirements.
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Compliance Audits: Our audits identify gaps in your current safety practices and recommend practical solutions.
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Guidance: We offer Guidance for operators and supervisors to ensure they are competent in the safe use of equipment and aware of their responsibilities.
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Maintenance Plans: We assist in creating proactive maintenance schedules to keep your machinery in optimal condition.
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Documentation Support: We help you maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, and training, ensuring compliance and readiness for audits.
By partnering with Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance, agricultural businesses can mitigate risks, protect their workforce, and achieve peace of mind knowing that their operations align with LOLER and PUWER regulations. Our expertise ensures that safety is not just a legal obligation but a cornerstone of your operational success.
For more information on Importance of Statutory Inspection in Agriculture talk to Fox Engineering Safety