Guide
Use mobile work equipment safely
How to comply with PUWER Regulations 25-30 for mobile work equipment such as forklift trucks, dumpers, excavators, and tractors. Covers roll-over protection, seatbelts, visibility, traffic management, and operator training.
If your business uses vehicles or self-propelled machines in the workplace, you must meet specific safety requirements under PUWER 1998 Regulations 25-30. These regulations apply to mobile work equipment such as forklift trucks, dumpers, excavators, tractors, ATVs, ride-on mowers, and mobile cranes.
Workplace transport accidents kill and seriously injure workers every year. Many incidents involve vehicles overturning, workers being struck by moving equipment, or passengers falling from vehicles not designed to carry them. PUWER Regulations 25-30 set out what you must do to prevent these incidents.
Mobile work equipment requirements
PUWER Regulations 25-30 impose additional requirements on mobile work equipment beyond the general PUWER duties. Your equipment must meet all of the following:
Roll-over protective structures (ROPS)
Where there is a risk of mobile work equipment rolling over, you must fit a roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and a restraining system such as a seatbelt. A ROPS is only effective if the operator wears the seatbelt - otherwise they can be thrown from the cab or crushed beneath the structure.
Equipment commonly requiring ROPS:
- Ride-on mowers used on slopes
- Agricultural tractors
- Dumpers and site vehicles
- Rough-terrain forklifts
- Excavators used on sloping or uneven ground
- ATVs and quad bikes
Seatbelts: Where a ROPS is fitted, you must also provide a suitable restraining system. Operators must use the seatbelt at all times. Enforce this through supervision, training, and disciplinary procedures where necessary.
Visibility and traffic management
You must ensure adequate visibility from the driving position. Where direct vision is limited, provide additional measures:
- Mirrors (rear-view and side mirrors)
- Reversing cameras or proximity sensors
- Audible reversing alarms
- Flashing beacons for visibility to pedestrians
Traffic management: You have a duty to organise traffic routes to separate vehicles and pedestrians so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes:
- One-way systems where space allows
- Pedestrian walkways with physical barriers
- Speed limits and signage
- Crossing points with good visibility
- Adequate lighting in traffic areas
- Clear rules about reversing (minimise where possible)
Steps to comply with mobile work equipment requirements
-
1. Identify all mobile work equipment
Audit your workplace to list all mobile work equipment including forklift trucks, dumpers, excavators, tractors, ATVs, ride-on mowers, and mobile cranes. Include hired or leased equipment.
-
2. Assess roll-over risk and fit ROPS where needed
For each item, assess whether there is a risk of the equipment rolling over. Consider terrain, gradients, ground conditions, and loading. Fit ROPS and seatbelts where roll-over risk exists. Check that existing ROPS are to the correct standard and in good condition.
-
3. Carry out a workplace transport risk assessment
Assess your traffic routes, pedestrian areas, loading/unloading zones, and vehicle movements. Identify where vehicles and pedestrians interact and where collisions or crush injuries could occur.
-
4. Implement traffic management controls
Separate vehicles from pedestrians using physical barriers, one-way systems, designated crossing points, and speed limits. Provide adequate lighting and signage. Review and improve reversing arrangements.
-
5. Check visibility and fit additional aids
Review visibility from the driving position of each vehicle. Fit mirrors, cameras, reversing alarms, or beacons as needed. Ensure lighting is adequate for the conditions of use.
-
6. Train all operators and ensure competence
Ensure all operators receive adequate training covering safe operation, risks, precautions, and the specific equipment they will use. Only trained, competent persons should operate mobile work equipment.
-
7. Set up inspection and maintenance routines
Establish daily pre-use checks (brakes, steering, tyres, lights, ROPS condition, seatbelt function) and periodic maintenance schedules. Keep records of all inspections and maintenance.
Operator competence
Specific types of mobile work equipment may require recognised certification in addition to general PUWER training:
- Forklift trucks: Operators should hold an accredited qualification (e.g., RTITB, ITSSAR, or AITT approved training)
- Excavators and plant: CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or NPORS cards are widely accepted
- Agricultural vehicles: Tractor drivers on public roads need an appropriate driving licence category
Passengers: Mobile work equipment must only carry passengers if it is specifically designed and adapted for that purpose. Riding on the forks of a forklift, the bucket of an excavator, or the back of a flatbed is not permitted.
Common problems
Operators not wearing seatbelts: Ensure seatbelt use is enforced through training, supervision, and workplace rules. Make clear this is a disciplinary matter.
Pedestrians in vehicle areas: Review your site layout. If pedestrians regularly enter vehicle operating areas, your traffic management plan needs improving.
Untrained or unauthorised operators: Restrict access to keys and controls. Use key management systems or immobilisers so only authorised operators can start equipment.
Poor ground conditions: Uneven, wet, or soft ground increases roll-over risk. Assess ground conditions before use and restrict operations where conditions are unsuitable.