Two recent prosecutions – one as a result of a fatality of a member of the public – have highlighted the importance of ensuring that lifts are adequately maintained & inspected.
In the first case, a Health Club and its lift maintenance company shared a £750,000 penalty when a passenger lift suddenly fell, killing a member of the public.
In the 2nd case a food store was fined over £38,000 for failing to adequately maintain & inspect a goods lift which seriously injured an employee.
Essential Advice: Make sure that your lift is regularly serviced by a competent lift maintenance company AND subjected to “thorough examination” in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1999 (LOLER) – This is usually carried out by an engineer appointed by your insurer.
Thorough examinations should be carried out every 12 months on goods lifts and every 6 months on passenger lifts. Take note of any recommendations on the report and arrange for the necessary remedial works to be carried out.
