By Prime Star 
Lifting operations carry risks that cannot be ignored. Whether it is a crane lifting steel beams or a forklift moving pallets, the dangers are real.
Poor planning, bad equipment, or rushed inspections cause serious accidents every year. That is why the LOLER regulations exist. They set clear rules for how lifting equipment must be used, inspected and managed on site.
For site and plant owners, understanding LOLER is not optional. It is part of running a safe, legal business.
But knowing the basics is not enough. To truly protect workers and operations, site owners need to move from basic awareness to real competence.
This article shows the path from first steps to real authority in lifting safety.
Why LOLER Matters for Site and Plant Owners
LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It is one of the key safety regulations under UK law.
It works alongside the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect workers and anyone else affected by lifting activities. LOLER applies to any lifting equipment used at work. That includes cranes, hoists, chains, slings, forklifts, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and more.
Site and plant owners have legal duties under LOLER. They must make sure lifting equipment is suitable, maintained, properly inspected and used safely.
Ignoring these duties risks accidents, fines and even prosecution. More importantly, it risks lives.
LOLER is not just about paperwork. It is about keeping people safe every time something leaves the ground.
What the Path from Awareness to Competence Looks Like
Most site managers know the basics of LOLER. They understand lifting equipment needs to be checked and that operators must be trained.
They have a general idea about safe working loads and inspection certificates. But true competence goes deeper.
It means understanding how to plan lifts properly. Knowing what documents are needed. Spotting risks before they cause problems. Leading teams with clear, confident decisions.
The path from awareness to competence takes time, effort and proper training. It is not just about reading regulations. It is about turning knowledge into action, day after day.
Building Competence: The Role of Specialist Training
Good intentions are not enough when it comes to lifting safety. Site and plant owners need to be sure that those responsible for lifting operations have the right skills and confidence. That is where proper training matters most. Completing LOLER Competent Person Training gives supervisors and managers the structured knowledge they need.
It provides a clear understanding of safe lifting practices and the legal duties under LOLER. The course introduces key terms, explains the importance of planning and risk assessment in lifting activities, and outlines how to meet regulatory requirements in practice.
Without proper training, it is easy to miss small details that lead to big accidents. With it, site leaders become confident, capable and legally compliant. Training turns awareness into real authority, and authority is what keeps sites safe.
What a LOLER Competent Person Needs to Know
Being a competent person under LOLER means much more than knowing how to use a checklist. It means understanding how to plan lifting operations safely from start to finish.
Competent persons must know how to assess whether lifting equipment is suitable for the job and if it is still in good working order. They must know when and how to carry out inspections, and the difference between pre-use checks and thorough examinations.
They also need to know what records must be kept and how often equipment must be checked. Good competence also means being able to challenge unsafe practices calmly and confidently before accidents happen.
Moving Beyond Basics: The Wider Importance of LOLER Training
Training does not stop after one course or one certificate. Lifting operations are high-risk and even small jobs can go wrong without careful planning and good communication.
That is why site owners and managers need to see LOLER Training as an ongoing part of site safety culture, not a one-off task. It is about building a mindset where lifting safety is always part of the conversation.
Keeping lifting teams up to date with best practices is essential. New workers must be trained properly from the start.
Good training links into wider risk management too. Safe lifting supports safer sites overall.
Common Mistakes Made by Site and Plant Owners
LOLER compliance can be undone by simple mistakes. One common problem is assuming that a manufacturer’s certificate covers all LOLER inspection needs. It does not.
Lifting equipment still needs regular thorough examinations by a competent person. Another mistake is only training operators, not supervisors or managers.
Safe lifting relies on good oversight, not just skilled hands. Some owners also rely too heavily on outside contractors without checking if they meet LOLER duties.
Finally, rushing lifting jobs without proper planning is a recipe for accidents. Every lift, big or small, needs the right controls in place.
How to Build a Safer Lifting Operation Culture on Your Site
Good lifting safety is about habits as much as it is about paperwork. Start by making LOLER a standard part of all site inductions.
New workers should know straight away that lifting rules are not optional. Hold short, regular toolbox talks focused on lifting risks, equipment care and safe working loads.
Encourage open reporting. If workers spot damage to lifting gear or unsafe set-ups, they should feel confident to speak up.
Assign clear roles and responsibilities. Make sure everyone knows who is in charge of lifting operations and who to speak to if they have concerns.
Small daily habits add up to a much safer site.
Final Takeaway
LOLER is not just about ticking boxes. It is about building strong, confident teams that can manage lifting risks properly.
Site and plant owners who take lifting safety seriously protect their people, their equipment and their reputation. By investing in the right training, building solid systems and creating a culture where safe lifting is second nature, owners turn lifting from one of the biggest site risks into one of the safest parts of the job.
Because lifting safely is not just about today’s work. It is about setting the standard for every day after.
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