What is the relationship between PUWER and ISO45001?

The lift industry in the UK is subject to a number of regulations and standards aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of both workers and the general public. Two key regulations that govern the operation and maintenance of lifts are the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) 45001 standard for occupational health and safety management systems.

PUWER is a set of regulations that apply to all work equipment, including lifts, in the UK. The regulations require employers to ensure that all work equipment is safe to use, properly maintained, and used only by trained and competent operators. PUWER also requires employers to provide information and training to employees on the safe use of work equipment, including lifts.

ISO 45001 is an international standard that sets out the requirements for an occupational health and safety management system. The standard is designed to help organizations improve their occupational health and safety performance by identifying and managing risks, promoting a culture of safety, and continually improving their health and safety management systems.

The relationship between PUWER and ISO 45001 is one of complementary and overlapping requirements. While PUWER sets out specific regulations for the safe operation and maintenance of lifts, ISO 45001 provides a framework for managing health and safety more broadly within an organization. By implementing an ISO 45001-compliant health and safety management system, lift companies can ensure that they are meeting the requirements of PUWER and demonstrating their commitment to the safety and well-being of their employees and customers.

For example, a lift company that is compliant with ISO 45001 will have processes in place for identifying and assessing risks related to the operation and maintenance of lifts, as well as procedures for managing those risks effectively. This will help the company to comply with the requirements of PUWER, which mandate that employers must assess and control risks associated with the use of work equipment.

In addition, ISO 45001 requires organizations to establish a culture of safety within their workforce, with a focus on promoting employee participation and engagement in health and safety initiatives. This can help lift companies to ensure that their employees are properly trained and aware of the risks associated with operating lifts, in line with the requirements of PUWER.

Overall, the relationship between PUWER and ISO 45001 is one of mutual reinforcement and support. By implementing an ISO 45001-compliant health and safety management system, lift companies can ensure that they are meeting the requirements of PUWER and creating a safe and healthy working environment for their employees and customers. This not only helps to protect the well-being of those involved in the lift industry but also contributes to the overall safety and reputation of the industry as a whole.