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PUWER Assessments for businesses in the South East & across the UK

We provide clear, practical PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) Assessments to help businesses ensure their machinery and work equipment are safe, suitable and compliant. Our assessments focus on real risks associated with equipment use – helping you protect employees, meet your legal duties and avoid unnecessary cost or disruption.

 

PUWER can feel complex, particularly when trying to interpret what is actually required versus what is excessive or unnecessary. We take ownership of the process, translate the regulations into plain English and provide proportionate, cost-effective solutions that make compliance straightforward.

Experience

210+ PUWER assessments across multiple industries

Where we work

Based in the South East, most of our work is in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London, Essex – although we often provide PUWER assessments UK-wide where demand and budget make sense.

Pricing

Although most assessments typically fall below £3,300, one-site surveys in 2025-26 have been in the range £1,475 – £5,700.

Guarantee

We provide highly professional and qualified PUWER risk assessments that guarantee you will never have to worry about a visit from the HSE.

Our Clients

Before deciding whether we’re the right fit for your PUWER Assessment, we believe it’s important you see the kinds of clients we’ve supported over the past 20+ years.

You can explore a selection of those via clicking on the logos below.

Gardner Aerospace GE Healthcare H+S Aviation Limited ISS Produce K College Knauf Drywall Noble Foods Phoenix Doors Precision Polymer Engineering Sign 2000 Techniglass Walkers Snack Foods

PUWER Assessments at a glance

What is a PUWER Risk Assessment?

A PUWER Assessment ensures that work equipment provided for use in your business is safe, suitable and properly maintained, and that it does not pose unacceptable risks to employees.

It involves assessing machinery and equipment, how they are used, and whether appropriate safeguards, controls, training and maintenance arrangements are in place.

Who is this service for?

This service is suitable for any business that uses work equipment, including:

  • Manufacturing and engineering environments
  • Workshops and maintenance facilities
  • Warehousing and logistics operations
  • Construction and fabrication environments
  • Businesses using machinery, tools or automated systems

If your business uses any form of work equipment, PUWER is likely to apply.

What outcomes can you expect?

With our PUWER Assessments you can expect:

  • A clear understanding of equipment-related risks
  • Identification of unsafe or non-compliant machinery
  • A practical, prioritised action plan
  • Compliance with PUWER regulations
  • Reduced risk of injury or enforcement action
  • A structured report suitable for insurers and regulators

Where do we provide this service?

Our consultants mostly work in the South East, including Kent, London, Essex, Surrey, and will travel UK-wide for larger assessments.

Ready to talk about PUWER Assessments?

Get in touch

Is a PUWER Assessment a legal requirement?

Yes. PUWER applies to almost all work equipment used in the workplace and requires employers to ensure that equipment is safe, suitable and properly managed.

This includes:

  • Machinery and production equipment
  • Hand tools and portable equipment
  • Automated and powered systems
  • Lifting equipment (alongside LOLER requirements)
  • Equipment used by employees, contractors or others

Under PUWER, employers are required to:

  • Ensure equipment is suitable for its intended use
  • Maintain equipment in safe condition
  • Provide appropriate safeguards and controls
  • Ensure users are trained and competent
  • Inspect equipment where necessary
  • Prevent access to dangerous parts

If you’re unsure whether your equipment complies with PUWER, we can provide a clear answer quickly and without obligation.

How our PUWER Assessment service works

1

Understand your operations

We begin by reviewing your equipment, processes and how machinery is used within your business. We also review any existing risk assessments, maintenance records, inspection reports and procedures so we understand your current arrangements before the site visit.

2

On-site PUWER assessment

A competent assessor visits your site to inspect the work equipment in use, observe how it is operated and identify any visible hazards or compliance gaps. We look at guarding, controls, emergency stops, stability, maintenance condition, access, isolation arrangements and how safely the equipment is used in practice.

3

Risk evaluation

We assess the risks associated with each piece of equipment, including potential contact with dangerous parts, energy sources, and operational hazards.

4

Recommendations and compliance plan

You receive a clear, prioritised action plan to achieve PUWER compliance. Our recommendations are practical and proportionate, avoiding unnecessary or costly over-engineering.

5

Final report and optional presentation

You receive a structured PUWER report outlining risks, required actions and compliance status.

Additional options include:

  • Support implementing recommendation
  • Review of progress after 6–12 months
  • Training for in-house PUWER assessors

What our PUWER Assessment service includes

Our PUWER Assessments cover everything required for compliance and practical risk reduction.

Equipment review

  • Identify all work equipment
  • Assess suitability for use
  • Review condition and maintenance
  • Evaluate age and design

Machinery safety assessment

  • Assess guarding and protection
  • Identify dangerous parts
  • Review access and interaction
  • Evaluate control systems

Controls and safety system

  • Review emergency stops
  • Assess isolation procedures
  • Evaluate control reliability
  • Identify safety system gaps

Use and operation

  • Assess how equipment is used
  • Identify unsafe practices
  • Review operator interaction
  • Evaluate supervision levels Employee training requirements

Training and competence

  • Review operator training
  • Assess competence levels
  • Identify training gaps
  • Recommend improvements

Action plan and next steps

  • Prioritised action plan
  • Clear implementation guidance
  • Proportionate risk-based solutions
  • Optional follow-up support

Ready to talk about a PUWER assessment?

Get in touch

Pricing for PUWER Assessments

We price PUWER Assessments based on:

  • Number and complexity of equipment
  • Type of machinery and processes
  • Level of risk and safeguards required
  • Size of site and number of locations
  • Level of support or follow-up required

Recent pricing ranges

Over recent years, our PUWER Assessments have varied depending on requirements:

  • Overall range: £1,275 – £10,000+
  • Typical one-site surveys: £1,475 – £5,700
  • Most assessments are below £3,300

Our Guarantee To You

Our experience in PUWER Assessments means that, in the unlikely event of any contact or inspection from the HSE, we will be available (free of charge) to support you in your response.

All we ask is that you have followed and implemented the recommendations we provide as part of our work with you.

Why choose The Safety Effect for your PUWER Assessment?

1

Extensive experience across a wide range of machinery risks

2

Practical, proportionate recommendations – never over-engineered

3

Focus on cost-effective compliance solutions

4

Highly qualified consultants with strong sector experience

5

UK-wide delivery with a strong regional base

6

Long-term clients who trust our advice and approach

We provide PUWER Assessments for clients of all sizes throughout the UK.

Based in the South East, we provide PUWER Assessments
for businesses across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London,
Essex and the wider UK.

Whether you use a small number
of tools or complex machinery across multiple sites, we give
you clear, practical support to identify equipment risks
and improve compliance.

Ready to talk about PUWER Assessments?

Get in touch

PUWER Assessment FAQs

Do all businesses need a PUWER assessment?

+ –

If your business uses work equipment, PUWER applies. This includes everything from machinery to hand tools.

What is classed as work equipment under PUWER?

+ –

Work equipment includes any machinery, appliance, tool or installation used at work.

How is PUWER different from a general risk assessment?

+ –

PUWER focuses specifically on the safety and suitability of work equipment, rather than general workplace risks.

Do I need a PUWER assessment if I already have risk assessments?

+ –

Yes. PUWER requires specific assessment of work equipment beyond general risk assessments.

Can PUWER help reduce costs?

+ –

Yes. A proper PUWER assessment often identifies where unnecessary upgrades or over-engineering can be avoided.

Related Insights

Ready to talk about a PUWER Assessment?

If you want clarity, reassurance and a practical route to PUWER compliance, we can help.

There is no obligation and no sales pressure – just straightforward advice and experienced support.