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Construction Equipment Risk Assessment — PUWER Compliant, Generated Instantly for £29
Describe the plant or equipment — excavators, telehandlers, saws, MEWPs, compressors, rollers — and the job. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant construction equipment risk assessment covering PUWER, LOLER and operator competence in minutes.
Used by construction companies, plant hire firms, groundworkers and contractors across the UK
🏗️ Using lifting equipment or MEWPs? Mention it — we'll include LOLER thorough examination requirements, safe working loads, ground stability checks, and operator certification controls required under PUWER and LOLER.
Legal requirements for construction equipment
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to all work equipment used in construction. Regulation 3(3) requires that equipment is suitable for the intended use and maintained in a safe condition. Regulation 9 requires that operators receive adequate information, instruction and training. For construction, this means documented pre-use checks, operator competence records (CPCS, NPORS, IPAF), and written safe operating procedures.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply to all lifting equipment, including excavators with lifting attachments, telehandlers, tower cranes, mobile cranes and MEWPs. Regulation 9 requires a thorough examination by a competent person every six or twelve months (depending on the equipment), and Regulation 8 requires that lifting operations are properly planned, supervised and carried out safely. A written risk assessment is required for all lifting operations and work at height.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) require principal contractors to ensure that construction work is carried out without risks to health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes ensuring that plant operators are competent, equipment is properly maintained, and site-specific risk assessments are in place for all plant operations. HSE guidance HSG136 "A Guide to Workplace Transport Safety" and HSG150 "Health and Safety in Construction" set out the standards expected.
A written, site-specific construction equipment risk assessment is expected by principal contractors, CDM coordinators and HSE inspectors on all construction sites. Generic manufacturer risk assessments are not sufficient — the assessment must reflect the actual site conditions, ground stability, overhead hazards, and specific task being performed.
How it works
1. Describe the equipment and task
Tell us the equipment type (excavator, telehandler, MEWP, compressor, saw, etc.), the construction task, site conditions (ground, weather, overhead hazards), and whether it is hired or owned. Mention operator certification requirements and any lifting or work at height involved.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant construction equipment risk assessment referencing PUWER 1998, LOLER 1998, and CDM 2015 where relevant. All hazards, controls and operator competence requirements are documented.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Hand it to your principal contractor, include it in your site RAMS pack, or file it for HSE inspection. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every construction equipment risk assessment is written in full — covering all PUWER and LOLER requirements relevant to your equipment and site conditions.
PUWER 1998 compliance — suitability, maintenance, guarding
Operator competence and certification (CPCS, NPORS, IPAF)
Pre-use inspection checklists and defect reporting
LOLER 1998 compliance for lifting equipment
Thorough examination records and certification
Safe working loads and load chart compliance
Ground conditions and stability — risk of overturning
Overhead hazards — power lines, structures, exclusion zones
Struck-by and run-over risks — banksmen, segregation, PPE
Noise, vibration and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)
Refuelling, maintenance and emergency procedures
Site access, egress and ground protection measures
Interaction with other site activities and traffic management
CDM 2015 principal contractor requirements
Works for
From hand-held breakers to 360-degree excavators, Anyrisks covers every type of construction plant and equipment.
What customers say
"We hire in plant every week — excavators, telehandlers, MEWPs. Anyrisks gives us a site-specific PUWER assessment for each piece of kit in under two minutes. Principal contractors accept it every time."
Tom R.
Groundworks contractor, Yorkshire
"We run a plant hire business. Customers now expect a risk assessment with every delivery. Anyrisks saves us hours every week and covers LOLER, CPCS competence and site-specific hazards perfectly."
Jamie K.
Plant hire manager, Scotland
"I use it for every MEWP job — cherry pickers, scissor lifts, boom lifts. It covers IPAF certification, overhead hazards, ground conditions and emergency descent. CDM coordinators are happy with it every time."
Carl P.
Access platform specialist, South East
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| PUWER 1998 and LOLER 1998 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Site-specific hazards included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Operator competence requirements specified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ground conditions and stability assessed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers hired and owned equipment | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Does this cover PUWER compliance for construction equipment?
Yes — every construction equipment risk assessment is written to satisfy Regulation 3(3) of PUWER 1998, which requires equipment to be suitable for the intended use, used only for operations for which it is suitable, and properly maintained. The assessment references specific PUWER regulations relevant to your machinery.
Can I use this for hired plant equipment?
Yes — describe the equipment (excavator, telehandler, cherry picker, etc.) and whether it is hired or owned. The assessment will cover pre-use checks, operator competence, and your responsibilities as hirer under PUWER.
Does it cover mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)?
Yes — mention the MEWP type and work at height activity and the assessment will cover LOLER inspection requirements, ground conditions, overhead hazards, emergency descent, and IPAF operator competence.
Is LOLER included in the assessment?
Yes — where lifting equipment is involved (cranes, telehandlers, hoists), LOLER 1998 requirements are referenced, including six-monthly thorough examinations, safe working loads, and certificated operators.
Can I use it for both large and small equipment?
Yes — from hand-held breakers and cut-off saws to 360-degree excavators and tower cranes, describe the equipment and the assessment will be tailored accordingly. Small plant carries different risks to heavy plant and the assessment reflects this.
Does it cover operator training and competence?
Yes — Regulation 9 of PUWER requires that operators receive adequate training. The assessment will specify the required competence level for the equipment (CPCS, NPORS, IPAF, manufacturer training) and check procedures to verify operator certification.
How quickly can I get the assessment?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the construction equipment, the site conditions and the task, and Anyrisks produces a complete, PUWER-compliant risk assessment instantly.
Is it accepted by principal contractors?
Yes — Anyrisks produces a fully written, regulation-referenced risk assessment in the format expected by principal contractors, CDM coordinators and HSE inspectors. Thousands of UK construction businesses use Anyrisks for site-specific risk assessments.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator