The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a six-week consultation on two key workplace safety regulations covering lifting equipment and pressure systems.
HSE launches review of LOLER and PSSR to gather industry feedback on safety rules introduced in 2000
The Call for Evidence, opened on 1 October, will review the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR)—both introduced in 2000. The process runs until 11 November and seeks input from industry stakeholders, professional bodies, and technical experts.
HSE’s deputy director of direction and policy, Kate Haire, described the exercise as a “targeted approach to regulatory reform” rather than a full rewrite. She emphasised that the goal is to create a regulatory framework that protects workers while encouraging innovation, investment, and economic growth.
The review forms part of the government’s broader Regulation Action Plan, which aims to support business growth while ensuring safety standards keep pace with technological change, including developments such as hydrogen systems. It will assess whether compliance thresholds and definitions remain appropriate, and identify any overlapping rules between regulations.
Haire said both LOLER and PSSR were “generally sound,” but stressed the importance of updating evidence to address emerging risks without adding unnecessary burdens. Stakeholders can submit feedback via the HSE’s Citizen Space webpages dedicated to LOLER and PSSR.
What this means for health and safety professionals
For health and safety managers, this consultation signals an important opportunity to influence the future of workplace safety regulations. It means:
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Reviewing whether current LOLER and PSSR practices in your organisation align with modern industry needs and technologies.
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Identifying potential gaps or unnecessary administrative burdens that could be reduced.
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Preparing to adapt compliance strategies, inspection schedules, and reporting processes if reforms are introduced.
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Engaging with the consultation to ensure the sector’s practical challenges and safety priorities are represented.
In short, HSE managers should see this as both a chance to help shape regulation and a prompt to review their own lifting and pressure system management practices.
If you would like to learn more about the LOLER regulations, then check out our article for the best practices.
