Lifting operations are a routine operation on most construction sites at some point, and that is precisely why they remain one of the sector’s most underestimated risks. When lifts fail, the consequences are rarely minor. Falls from height, trapped loads, dropped materials, and improvised lifting equipment continue to drive some of the most serious liability claims we see.
A recent £800,000 prosecution illustrates the point clearly.
The Case: What Happened and Why It Matters
On a refurbishment project at Cathcart Hill, London, a labourer employed by Premier Property and Construction Limited was working on a site managed by Axis Europe Limited. During an unplanned lift, the load became trapped. When the operative attempted to free it manually, the load suddenly released, pulling him over the scaffold edge and causing life-changing injuries.
HSE identified failures at both organisations:
Premier Property and Construction (Subcontractor)
- No planning or oversight of routine lifting operations
- Use of untested or inappropriate lifting accessories
- No safe system of work for repetitive lifts
- Reliance on manual freeing of loads
Fine: £160,000 + costs and surcharge
Axis Europe (Principal Contractor)
- Inadequate scrutiny of Premier’s lifting arrangements
- Allowing untested lifting accessories on site
- Failure to identify gaps in documentation
- Lack of monitoring of lifts conducted under their control
Fine: £640,000 + costs and surcharge
This was a simple lift, the type carried out thousands of times across the industry every day. Yet the pattern of failure is familiar: no plan, no competent oversight, unsuitable equipment and weak interface between principal and subcontractor. These shortcomings all fall squarely within the legal framework that governs lifting operations.
LOLER: The Legal Standard Behind Safe Lifting.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) set the legal requirements for planning, supervising, and carrying out lifting operations on UK worksites. Under LOLER, all lifting operations, including routine or repetitive lifts, must be:
- Properly planned by a competent person
- Appropriately supervised
- Carried out safely using suitable equipment
LOLER also requires lifting equipment and accessories to be fit for purpose, clearly marked with their Working Load Limit (WLL) and subject to regular thorough examinations by a competent person. Most HSE prosecutions involving lifting failures cite LOLER breaches, making it the primary benchmark for assessing both compliance and defensibility.
These principles apply across the industry, regardless of project size or complexity.
Industry-Wide Context Recent events on HS2 also highlight the importance of basic control measures. Tunnelling works were temporarily halted earlier this year after a steel beam rotated unexpectedly during crane de-rigging. No one was injured because the area beneath the suspended load had been cleared, preventing the near-miss from becoming a serious accident. The incident reinforces a key point: even when things go wrong mechanically, well-enforced exclusion zones and disciplined site controls can be the difference between a close call and a life-changing injury.
Where Lifting Operations Typically Break Down
1. Normalisation of “simple” lifts
Routine handling of small loads leads to assumptions that formal planning is unnecessary. When a load snags or shifts unexpectedly, the absence of structure becomes critical.
2. Improvised or uncertified accessories
Slings, ropes and makeshift lifting points are still used without testing, inspection or WLL markings. These create both safety and defensibility issues.
3. Unclear responsibility for controlling the lift
Labourers directing lifts, subcontractors working independently, or the absence of a designated competent person all significantly elevate risk, particularly on multi-contractor sites.
4. Weak oversight of subcontractors
Principal contractors often assume subcontractors have compliant lifting systems. Without verification, unsafe practices go unnoticed.
5. Common claim patterns
Across Gem’s experience, the root causes remain consistent:
- Trapped or swinging loads
- Operatives leaning or reaching to free loads
- Equipment slippage or failure
- Inadequate attachment of materials
- Uncontrolled manual intervention
These events frequently result in severe injury, lengthy rehabilitation and costly claims.
What Good Practice Looks Like
Clients demonstrating strong control typically have:
- Written lift plans for repetitive or routine operations
- A clearly appointed competent person under LOLER
- Certified and regularly inspected lifting equipment
- Visible WLL markings on all accessories
- Defined communication methods between operatives
- Recorded toolbox talks specific to lifting
- Documented monitoring of subcontractors
These measures materially influence underwriting appetite and enhance defensibility in the event of an incident.
Why Brokers Should Probe Lifting Operations
Lifting risks are seldom highlighted on proposal forms, yet they sit behind a disproportionate number of high-severity claims. By asking focused questions, brokers can improve risk presentation and strengthen clients’ operational resilience.
Questions worth exploring:
- How are routine lifts planned and authorised?
- How is equipment selection controlled and verified?
- Who is considered competent, and how is this evidenced?
- How are subcontractors monitored in practice?
- How are near-misses and lifting-related incidents recorded and reviewed?
Clear, confident answers indicate strong controls. Vague or inconsistent responses highlight exposure.
Final Thoughts
Lifting operations may be routine, but they carry significant liability potential when left unchecked. The recent HSE case reinforces a pattern we see across the market: most incidents are avoidable with basic planning, competent oversight and the right equipment.
Gem Underwriting will continue providing technical insight to help brokers support their clients and improve outcomes across the industry
If you’d like tailored guidance for a particular trade or risk scenario, we’re here to help. Contact us.