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PUWER Assessments & Machinery Safety
Midlands Compliance Services provides practical support with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and machinery safety for SMEs across Burton-on-Trent, Derby and surrounding areas. MCS helps businesses identify significant machinery hazards, check whether work equipment is suitable and put practical controls in place.
Support can include reviewing existing PUWER assessments, assessing machinery where documentation is missing or weak, and helping businesses prioritise actions around guarding, controls, maintenance, access and safe use.
What a PUWER assessment covers
A PUWER assessment looks at whether work equipment is suitable for its intended use, whether significant hazards are properly controlled and whether the equipment can be operated, maintained and accessed safely.
A practical PUWER review should consider
Machinery guarding and access to dangerous parts
Emergency stops and control systems
Isolation and maintenance arrangements
Stability and suitability of the equipment
Inspection and maintenance requirements
Information, instruction and training
Whether modifications or changes have introduced new risks
The aim is to identify the significant issues that need attention and give you clear, prioritised actions rather than an overcomplicated engineering report.
When PUWER assessments are useful
PUWER assessments are especially useful where machinery is older, has been modified, has unclear documentation, or where existing safeguards and inspection arrangements have not been reviewed for some time.
Common reasons for a PUWER review
New or second-hand machinery has been introduced
Existing equipment has been modified
Guards, interlocks or emergency stops are causing concern
Maintenance access creates additional risk
Previous assessments are missing, weak or outdated
An audit, inspection or incident has highlighted machinery safety issues
The business wants a clearer baseline for improvement
A review should reflect the equipment as it is actually used, not just how it was originally supplied.
Not sure when work equipment needs a formal inspection? Read our guide to when a PUWER inspection is required.
How the PUWER assessment process works
1 — Understand the equipment
We start by understanding what the equipment does, how it is used, who operates or maintains it and whether there are any known concerns or previous findings.
2 — Review the significant hazards
The assessment focuses on the machinery hazards that could realistically cause harm, including access to dangerous parts, movement, controls, isolation and maintenance activities.
3 — Check the existing controls
Existing safeguards are reviewed to see whether they are suitable, effective and practical for the way the equipment is actually used.
4 — Prioritise the actions
Any gaps are recorded clearly and prioritised so you know what needs urgent attention and what can be planned as part of longer-term improvement.
PUWER assessments in Burton-on-Trent and Derby
MCS provides PUWER assessment and machinery safety support for SMEs across Burton-on-Trent, Derby and surrounding areas, with wider support available across the Midlands.
Areas currently covered
Burton-on-Trent, Derby, Swadlincote, Lichfield, Uttoxeter, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and surrounding areas.
PUWER assessment FAQs
What equipment is covered by PUWER?
PUWER applies broadly to work equipment used by employees, including machinery, tools, lifting accessories, workshop equipment and other equipment provided for use at work.
Do older machines need a PUWER assessment?
Yes. Older machinery can still be used safely, but the assessment needs to consider whether guarding, controls, maintenance arrangements and other safeguards remain suitable for the way the equipment is used today.
Can you review machinery that has been modified?
Yes. Modifications can change the original risk profile, so a fresh review can help identify whether new hazards have been introduced and whether existing safeguards are still adequate.
Can you help prioritise remedial actions?
Yes. MCS can help distinguish urgent machinery safety issues from lower-priority improvements so the business can focus effort and budget where it matters most.
Need help with PUWER assessments or machinery safety?
If you need a PUWER assessment, a review of existing machinery controls or help prioritising safety improvements, MCS can provide practical support.