Geoff Holden, chief executive of LEEA, says there is growing concern in the lifting industry that some companies are being tempted to cut costs by not conducting thorough examinations as frequently as required by LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).
"All UK employers are subject to LOLER, which clearly states that, once in service, lifting equipment for lifting persons or accessories for lifting must be thoroughly examined by a competent person every six months," he continues.
"Lifting accessories include commonly used items such as shackles, steels, hooks and round slings. Only for lifting equipment that does not fall into one of these two categories is the period extended to every 12 months."
LEEA is also worried that the potential provided by LOLER to specify different intervals between thorough examinations, using the 'examination scheme', is being misinterpreted.
"If an employer wants to implement an examination scheme, it must be formally drawn up by a competent person," explains Holden.
"Any extension to intervals must be based on a rigorous risk assessment."