PUWER Awareness

This PUWER Awareness eLearning course provides essential training on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and the requirements for safe use of machinery and work equipment in the workplace. The course helps learners understand what PUWER is, why it exists, and how it applies to work equipment they may use or encounter. It covers hazard identification, safe operation requirements, inspection and maintenance expectations, guarding and control measures, and how to comply with legal duties to reduce the risk of harm from machinery and equipment.

Course Aims

The primary aims of the PUWER Awareness course are to:

• Introduce the purpose and scope of PUWER and explain why safe provision and use of work equipment matters
• Raise awareness of hazards associated with work equipment including machinery, tools and powered devices
• Clarify legal and organisational responsibilities under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
• Provide guidance on safe operation, inspection and maintenance of equipment to prevent incidents
• Encourage risk-aware behaviours and practical control measures in the workplace

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this 30-minute awareness course, learners will be able to:

• Define what PUWER is and understand its role in improving safety around work equipment
• Recognise common hazards associated with machinery and equipment and how they can lead to injury
• Explain employer and employee responsibilities for ensuring equipment is suitable, maintained and safe to use
• Apply basic safe operation and inspection practices to support compliance and risk reduction
• Understand the importance of guarding, controls and correct user behaviour when working with or around equipment