Written by Rick Gregory, Editorial Lead · Legal information checked in collaboration with Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA 800525) · September 2026 · ~4 min read
Quick Summary
- PUWER — the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 — requires employers to ensure work equipment is suitable, well maintained, and safely used
- It applies broadly, from simple hand tools to complex machinery, and places duties on anyone who owns, controls, or supervises the use of work equipment, not just the employer directly
- Employers must ensure equipment has appropriate guarding, controls, and warnings, and that anyone using it has adequate information, instruction, and training
- A PUWER breach is often central evidence in claims involving machinery, tools, or other work equipment that malfunctioned or was unsafe to use
What is PUWER?
PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It's the main piece of UK legislation governing the safety of equipment used at work — covering everything from hand tools and ladders to complex industrial machinery. It places specific legal duties on employers (and others in control of work equipment) to ensure that equipment is safe to use.
What does PUWER actually require?
- Suitability — equipment must be suitable for the task it's actually used for, in the conditions it's used in
- Maintenance — equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair, with maintenance logs kept where appropriate
- Inspection — equipment must be inspected regularly, and after any event that could affect its safety, such as a significant repair or a period of disuse
- Guarding — dangerous parts of machinery must have suitable guards or protection devices
- Controls — equipment must have appropriate start, stop, and emergency stop controls that are clearly identifiable and accessible
- Information, instruction, and training — anyone using equipment must have adequate knowledge of how to use it safely, including any specific risks
What kinds of accidents does PUWER typically relate to?
- Machinery accidents where a guard was missing, bypassed, or inadequate
- Equipment that malfunctioned due to poor maintenance
- Tools or machinery that were unsuitable for the task they were being used for
- Accidents caused by inadequate or missing emergency stop controls
- Injuries caused by equipment used without proper training or instruction
Does PUWER only apply to my direct employer?
No — PUWER duties can extend to anyone who has control over work equipment, including in some cases the equipment's owner, a hirer, or a business that supplies equipment for use by others' workers. This can matter particularly in situations involving contractors, shared worksites, or hired equipment, where more than one party may bear some responsibility.
What if the equipment itself was defective, rather than poorly maintained?
This can raise a related but distinct question — potential liability of the equipment's manufacturer or supplier, alongside your employer's duty under PUWER to ensure only suitable, safe equipment was provided for use. Your solicitor will assess the specific facts to identify who may be responsible.
What evidence is useful for a PUWER-related claim?
- Maintenance and inspection records for the equipment involved, or evidence that none exist
- Photographs of the equipment, particularly any missing or inadequate guarding
- Training records showing what instruction you received before using the equipment
- Details of any prior faults or near-misses with the same equipment that had been reported
Frequently asked questions
Does PUWER cover simple hand tools, or only machinery?
It covers work equipment broadly, including simple hand tools, not just complex machinery — the specific duties that apply depend on the risks the equipment actually presents.
What if I wasn't trained on a specific piece of equipment before using it?
Inadequate training or instruction is itself a potential breach of PUWER, and is relevant evidence if an accident occurred while you were using equipment you hadn't been properly shown how to operate safely.
Is a claim involving defective equipment different from other accident at work claims?
The underlying claims process is the same, but the evidence often focuses more specifically on the equipment's condition, maintenance history, and any relevant guarding or safety features — your solicitor will tailor the evidence-gathering accordingly.
Injured by machinery or work equipment?
See our defective equipment claims guide for more detail, or speak to a solicitor about your specific accident.
Or call 01228 272395 to speak to Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA number: 800525). No upfront cost and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed.