HSE expands machinery safety training programme

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced the latest dates for its machinery safety training series, offering courses designed to help employers manage the risks associated with industrial and construction equipment.

Delivered at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton, with online options available later this year, the programme is aimed at employers, maintenance teams and safety professionals who work with or are responsible for powered machinery.

The sessions cover a wide range of topics relevant to the concrete, precast and construction sectors—including safeguarding, control systems, risk assessments, and compliance with the UK’s evolving machinery regulations.

Key topics include:

• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) – covering all workplace machinery such as concrete mixers, cutting and bending equipment, rebar processing machines and lifting gear.
• Risk assessment essentials – focusing on identifying hazards like entrapment, crushing or shearing in machines such as conveyors, precast mould systems and saws.
• UK machinery regulations – detailing legal requirements for placing machinery on the UK market, including CE/UKCA marking.
• Introduction to safeguarding and safety-related control systems – exploring interlocks, emergency stops, and programmable safety controls common in automated and semi-automated equipment.

The courses run from 18 to 21 August, with individual sessions dedicated to each topic.

Employers are encouraged to assess how machinery is used on site and ensure staff are trained in maintenance and safety protocols. HSE stresses that robust safety systems not only prevent accidents but also help firms stay compliant with legal duties under PUWER and the wider UK machinery framework.

More details are available via the HSE training portal.