PUWER Assessment & Regulation

At pm Connections, we understand that adhering to machine safety regulations can not only be time-consuming, but confusing and overwhelming, too. Our experts ensure that your business doesn’t fall short of PUWER regulations, keeping your operations and your employees safe.  

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) outlines the legal requirements for ensuring that machinery and equipment are safe for use.  Conducting a thorough PUWER assessment can help you identify risks and implement necessary health and safety measures, to safeguard both employees and equipment alike.  

➡ For a FREE consultation on PUWER assessments within your workplace, please contact us on 01925 649 818 or leave us a message here. 

What is a PUWER assessment? 

Essentially, a PUWER assessment is a systematic evaluation of workplace equipment to ensure it meets the required safety standards. Businesses need PUWER assessments to comply with health and safety regulations, making sure that their machinery is safe for use.
PUWER requires that employers carry out regular risk assessments for all equipment used in the workplace, including machinery, tools, and apparatus. This assessment should cover various aspects of the equipment, such as starting, stopping, programming, setting, transporting, repairing, modifying, maintaining, servicing, and cleaning.  

PUWER assessments could be considered if your responsibility if: 

• You are an employer or self-employed and provide equipment at work 
• You supervise or even manage the use of the equipment 

However, it is important to clarify that:  

• It does not apply to sellers of machinery, but instead falls to the end-user 
• It does not apply to those in domestic work, private households or in public domain e.g. compressed air equipment in Petrol Stations 
• It does covers people using equipment whilst working from home. 

What equipment needs a PUWER assessment? 

Equipment that typically requires a PUWER assessment includes: 

1. Machinery: Any mechanical device used for manufacturing or processing, such as conveyors, fixed machines, motor vehicles, excavators, tractors and more.
2. Tools: Power tools and handheld devices that aid in manual tasks. Examples include drills, abrasive wheels, hammers, saws, knives and screwdrivers.
3. Lifting equipment: Gear used to raise or lower loads safely, which must also comply with lifting equipment regulations. This could include slings, lift trucks, passenger lifts, bath lifts or mobile elevated working platforms (MEWPs).
4. Pressure systems: Equipment that handles high-pressure conditions must also adhere to pressure systems safety regulations.
5. Other equipment: Various other equipment such as pressure washers and welding equipment.

 By identifying the equipment that needs assessment, employers can take proactive measures to ensure compliance and maintain a safe working environment. 

What does PUWER regulation require of an employer? 

PUWER regulation imposes specific responsibilities on employers to make sure that all equipment used in the workplace is safe and well-maintained.  

As an employer, it is your duty to: 

• Assess the risks associated with the use of work equipment 
• Provide appropriate training for employees 
• Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and meets regulatory standards.  
• Facilitate regular inspections and maintenance to ensure machinery is kept in safe operating condition. 
• Provide adequate, clear health and safety information, including, where necessary, written instructions on how to use the equipment and suitable markings and warnings 

➡  For comprehensive guidelines, employers can refer to resources provided by the HSE

PUWER assessment checklist 

At pm Connections, we occasionally hear from companies who feel an external PUWER assessment isn’t necessary because they’ve conducted an internal review. 

However, when we look closer this often means they have simply completed a brief checklist exercise, with minimal understanding of what they’re really looking for. This can leave crucial gaps in safety and compliance.  

Questions you might find on a basic PUWER assessment checklist include: 

• Is the equipment most appropriate for its intended use? 
• Is the equipment free from obvious defects? 
• Can you operate all controls easily? 

Whereas in a comprehensive PUWER assessment from a professional, we delve much deeper, examining aspects of your machinery that a basic checklist may overlook. Our team at pm Connections assess each piece of equipment not only for visible issues, but also for underlying risks that may compromise safety over time.  

It’s this thoroughness that pm Connections brings to every assessment, helping ensure that every aspect of safety and regulatory compliance is accounted for, not just superficially, but comprehensively. 

Another benefit of outsourcing your PUWER assessments is that we provide an unbiased, fresh perspective, bringing a critical eye to every assessment. Not only does this protect your business from serious financial consequences associated with workplace accidents but it could also prevent fatalities and injuries.  

➡  Fancy gaining your own certification in PUWER assessments? Our PUWER Awareness training course gives you everything you need to feel confident carrying out your own assessments. 

What are the benefits of conducting PUWER assessments and reports? 

Conducting regular PUWER assessments and reports provides employees with several benefits: 

• They ensure you are compliant with PUWER regulations (1998) 
• Allows potential hazards to be identified before they become an issue 
• Provides a plan of action on how to move forward 
• Ensures a safe working environment 
• Lowers the risk of accidents within the workplace 
• Increases production efficiency  
• Saves businesses significant costs related to compensation and equipment repairs 

What happens if I don’t do a PUWER risk assessment? 

Neglecting to complete a PUWER risk assessment can lead to severe consequences. Without proper assessment, businesses risk exposing employees to unsafe equipment, potentially leading to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. Moreover, failure to comply with PUWER regulations can result in hefty fines and legal actions against the company.  

Additionally, the costs associated with workplace accidents – including medical expenses, compensation claims, and loss of productivity – can significantly impact a company’s bottom line. As an employer, it is imperative for you to prioritise PUWER assessments to avoid these risks. 

Is PUWER assessment a legal requirement? 

Yes, conducting a PUWER assessment is a legal requirement under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Employers must ensure that all equipment used at work is safe and maintained in a condition that prevents risks to health and safety. By performing regular PUWER assessments, businesses can avoid potential legal issues and create a safer working environment for their employees. 

Book PUWER assessments 

At pm Connections, we know that PUWER regulations can seem extensive and overwhelming, but we also understand the disastrous consequences of not carrying them out thoroughly. 

We can help. 

Get in touch with our team and let us provide you with pragmatic advice and practical solutions to remove the stress of machine safety compliance – leaving you time to get back to doing what you do best, not bogged down in paperwork. 

➡ For a PUWER assessment you can rely on, call us on 01925 649 818.