Navigating LOLER, PUWER, and ISO 45001: What Irish Safety Managers Need to Know in 2025

In the fast-paced world of industrial operations, Health & Safety Managers are under more pressure than ever. Between managing inspections, reducing risk, and keeping operations running smoothly, there’s one thing they can’t afford to overlook in 2025: regulatory compliance.

With updates in legislation and rising audit expectations, three core standards dominate the landscape:

• LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)

• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)

• ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems)

If you’re operating in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, aerospace, or heavy plant, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant, reduce downtime, and keep your team safe.

What Is LOLER?

LOLER is all about the safe use of lifting equipment. In Ireland, it’s enforced under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and its associated regulations.

Key LOLER 2025 Updates & Reminders:

• Thorough Examinations (GA1 forms) must be up to date and performed by a competent person.

• Inspections may need to be more frequent for high-use or high-risk environments.

• You must maintain clear traceability of lifting devices, accessories, and inspection intervals.

• Temporary lifting gear (used during construction or maintenance) is not exempt.

💡 Pro Tip: Digital platforms that track inspection intervals, generate GA1 reports, and alert you to upcoming deadlines can make LOLER compliance a lot less stressful.

🔧 What Is PUWER?

PUWER governs all work equipment, not just lifting gear. This includes everything from power tools and machinery to conveyors and control systems.

What You Need to Focus On in 2025:

• Ensure equipment is suitable, properly maintained, and used only by trained staff.

• Document risk assessments and update them when machinery or use cases change.

• Conduct and log routine checks—especially before each shift in high-risk zones.

• Ensure guarding, emergency stops, and signage meet current standards.

⚠️ Reminder: The HSA is increasing enforcement around PUWER breaches, especially where equipment-related injuries occur.

✅ What Is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is the international gold standard for occupational health and safety management systems. While it’s not legally required, many Irish industrial organisations are pursuing certification for two key reasons:

1. Audit Readiness – It builds a solid paper trail and structured process.

2. Cultural Impact – It shifts safety from reactive to proactive.

2025 Best Practices:

• Conduct regular internal audits and management reviews.

• Train supervisors in hazard identification and reporting.

• Integrate LOLER and PUWER processes into your 45001 framework.

• Use incident investigations as learning tools—not just compliance exercises.

🎯 ISO 45001 isn’t a tick-box exercise—it’s a tool to reduce incidents, improve morale, and show leadership you’re ahead of the curve.

What Safety Managers Should Do Now

If you’re juggling inspections, audits, and admin, here’s a 5-step action plan:

1. Audit Your Current Systems

Are your LOLER/PUWER records centralised? Are GA1 certs easy to access? Is equipment traceable?

2. Create a Compliance Calendar

Mark inspection intervals, equipment service dates, and ISO 45001 review cycles. Automate where possible.

3. Upskill Your Team

Run toolbox talks or CPD sessions focused on PUWER checks and lifting safety.

4. Embrace Digital Tools

From inspection tracking to audit readiness dashboards, the right tech can slash admin time and reduce risk.

5. Plan for Regulation Changes

Stay ahead of updates from the HSA and EU. What’s compliant in 2024 might be outdated in 2025.

Compliance Is Not Optional—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Painful

LOLER, PUWER, and ISO 45001 aren’t just boxes to tick—they’re vital pillars of a safer, more efficient site. In 2025, Irish Health & Safety Managers who take a proactive approach will not only reduce incidents but earn recognition as trusted leaders in their organisations.

Want help streamlining your compliance efforts? Talk to us about simplifying your inspection workflows, improving documentation, and getting audit-ready—without the paperwork pain.