LOLER and PUWER Regulations Explained | Builders Merchant Safety

November 28, 2025

What these safety standards mean for your business

If your operation uses HIABs or Moffetts, you’ll already have heard of LOLER and PUWER, but what do they actually mean in practice, and why are they essential to building materials logistics?

Let’s break them down and look at how SDR ensures full compliance on every delivery.

1. What is LOLER?

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) covers how lifting operations are planned, managed and executed safely.
It requires that:

  • All lifting equipment is strong and stable enough for use
  • Lifting operations are planned, supervised, and carried out by competent people
  • Equipment is thoroughly examined and inspected at regular intervals

At SDR, we maintain detailed inspection logs for all HIAB and Moffett equipment and ensure drivers understand how to perform daily pre-use checks.

2. What is PUWER?

PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) ensures that work equipment is:

  • Suitable for its intended purpose
  • Maintained in a safe condition
  • Used only by people who have received proper information and training

Our compliance process includes regular refresher training, risk assessments and recorded maintenance schedules to meet PUWER standards.

3. LOLER vs PUWER – The Key Difference

  • LOLER focuses on lifting operations and equipment
  • PUWER covers the use and maintenance of all work equipment

In short, LOLER applies when something is being lifted; PUWER applies all the time.

4. Why These Regulations Matter for Builders Merchants

Every merchant has a duty of care not just to employees, but also to visiting drivers, contractors, and customers.
Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to:

  • Fines and enforcement action
  • Reputational damage
  • Serious injury or loss of life

By working with a partner like SDR, merchants can be confident their deliveries are handled safely and legally.

5. How SDR Ensures Compliance

At SDR, our drivers:

  • Hold recognised HIAB and Moffett certifications
  • Follow structured daily inspection routines
  • Keep up-to-date with LOLER and PUWER requirements through training
  • Record and report any safety concerns immediately

Safety isn’t something we check once a year; it’s part of every shift, every delivery.

6. The Bottom Line

LOLER and PUWER regulations aren’t just legal obligations; they’re essential to protecting people and keeping operations running smoothly.

SDR takes these responsibilities seriously, providing trained, compliant, and consistent drivers who help builders merchants deliver safely every time.

Learn more about our approach to compliant Moffett and HIAB drivers. https://specialistdrivers.com/compliant-moffett-hiab-drivers/

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