LOLER Training Online: Everything You Need to Know About Lifting Operations Regulations

If you work with lifting equipment in any capacity, understanding the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is not optional. It is a legal requirement. Whether you are an employer, manager, or operative working in construction, care, logistics, or manufacturing, LOLER compliance directly affects workplace safety and your organisation's legal standing. 

Our online LOLER course at CareLearner is designed to give you a thorough, accessible, and CPD-accredited understanding of these regulations. Suitable for learners across the UK, it is particularly well-regarded by employers in Weston-super-Mare and the wider South West. 

What Is LOLER and Why Does It Matter? 

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations were introduced under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and set out clear legal duties for anyone who owns, operates, or has control over lifting equipment used in the workplace. 

The regulations exist to prevent injury and fatality caused by unsafe lifting practices. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consistently identifies lifting operations as a significant source of serious workplace accidents, making LOLER training one of the most important areas of health and safety compliance in the UK. 

LOLER applies across a wide range of sectors, including: 

• Construction and civil engineering 

• Manufacturing and warehousing 

• Health and social care (including patient hoisting equipment) 

• Agriculture and forestry 

• Offshore and marine industries 

  
  

What Equipment Does LOLER Cover? 

LOLER applies to any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including people. The regulations cover a broad range of equipment, such as: 

• Cranes, hoists, and forklift trucks 

• Patient lifting hoists and slings in care settings 

• Lifts, elevating work platforms, and scissor lifts 

• Vehicle tail lifts and dock levellers 

• Ropes, chains, hooks, and other lifting accessories 

Understanding exactly which equipment falls under LOLER is covered in detail in the first module of our course, giving learners a clear foundation before moving into operational and compliance requirements. 

What You Will Learn on Our LOLER Online Course 

Our course is structured across five key learning areas, each designed to build practical knowledge alongside regulatory understanding. 

1. Introduction to LOLER 

This module establishes the definition and purpose of LOLER, tracing its historical context and explaining why the regulations were introduced. Learners will understand who LOLER applies to, what duties it imposes on employers and employees, and how it sits within the broader framework of UK health and safety law.

2. Understanding Lifting Equipment 

This section provides a thorough overview of the types of lifting equipment covered under LOLER, along with the equipment specifications and technical requirements that must be met. Learners will gain the knowledge needed to identify compliant equipment and understand what makes lifting equipment fit for purpose. 

3. Lifting Operations 

Safe lifting does not happen by chance. This module covers the planning and execution of safe lifting operations, including the importance of systems of work, risk assessment, and the roles of those involved in a lifting operation. Learners will understand how to apply safe lifting techniques and what factors to consider before any lift takes place. 

4. Maintenance and Examination of Lifting Equipment 

LOLER requires that lifting equipment is thoroughly examined at specified intervals by a competent person. This module explains the examination and inspection requirements in detail, including what constitutes a thorough examination, how frequently examinations must take place, and the documentation requirements that follow. Ongoing maintenance obligations are also covered. 

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance 

The final module brings everything together within the legal framework. Learners will understand the full compliance requirements under LOLER, including record-keeping obligations, enforcement by the HSE, and the consequences of non-compliance. This module is particularly valuable for managers and business owners responsible for ensuring their organisation meets its legal duties. 

Course Objectives 

By the end of the course, learners will be able to: 

• Understand the definition, purpose, and historical context of LOLER 

• Identify who LOLER applies to and the types of lifting equipment covered 

• Explain the importance of safe lifting techniques and systems of work 

• Describe safe lifting techniques and relevant equipment specifications 

• Outline the maintenance and examination requirements for lifting equipment 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and regulatory compliance requirements under LOLER 

  
  

Who Should Take This Course? 

This course is suitable for anyone who works with, manages, or has oversight of lifting equipment in the workplace. It is particularly relevant for: 

• Warehouse operatives and logistics staff 

• Construction workers and site managers 

• Health and social care workers who use patient-moving equipment 

• Facilities managers responsible for maintenance compliance 

• Health and safety officers seeking a refresher or reference course 

• Business owners and employers in Weston-super-Mare and across the UK who need to ensure their workforce meets LOLER compliance requirements 

  
  

Why Choose CareLearner for Your LOLER Training? 

CareLearner is a trusted UK eLearning provider specialising in health, safety, and care sector training. Our LOLER course is CPD-accredited, meaning it contributes towards your continuing professional development and is recognised by employers across England. 

Learners in Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding area have consistently rated our training as some of the best available online, citing the clarity of content, the flexibility of self-paced learning, and the immediate availability of certification upon completion. 

Here is what sets our LOLER training apart: 

• CPD-accredited certification recognised across the UK 

• Fully online and self-paced, accessible from any device 

• Written and reviewed by health and safety professionals 

• Covers all five core LOLER learning areas in one course 

• Instant certificate download upon passing the assessment 

• Suitable for both individual learners and large workforce enrolments 
  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is LOLER training a legal requirement? 

LOLER itself does not mandate a specific training course, but employers have a legal duty under LOLER and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to ensure that anyone involved in lifting operations is competent. Completing an accredited LOLER course is the most effective way to demonstrate that competence. 

How long does the course take to complete? 

The course is self-paced, but most learners complete it in approximately two to three hours. You can pause and resume at any point, making it easy to fit around shifts or busy schedules. 

Will I receive a certificate? 

Yes. Upon successful completion of the end-of-course assessment, you will receive a CPD-accredited certificate that you can download and share with your employer immediately. 

How often does LOLER training need to be renewed? 

While there is no fixed renewal period set out in legislation, most employers and industry bodies recommend refreshing LOLER training every one to three years, or whenever there is a significant change in equipment, working practices, or regulations. 

Enrol in Our LOLER Course Today 

Whether you are based in Weston-super-Mare, elsewhere in Somerset, or anywhere else in the UK, our online LOLER course gives you everything you need to meet your compliance obligations and protect your workforce. 

Competent workers. Compliant organisations. Safe workplaces