Work Equipment Safety: Practical Guidance for Funeral Directors

Funeral directors rely on a wide range of work equipment every day, from lifting aids and trolleys to cleaning equipment, tools and vehicles. While much of this equipment is familiar and routinely used, it still presents risks if not properly selected, maintained or used.

Ensuring work equipment is safe is not only essential for protecting employees, but also forms a key part of your legal responsibilities as an employer or duty holder.

Our Funeral Director Insurance experts have outlined some simple, effective measures funeral directors can put in place to help keep everyone safe.

What is classed as work equipment?

The term work equipment is broad and includes any machinery, appliance, tool or installation used at work.

For your funeral home, this may include:

  • Coffin trolleys and lifting equipment
  • Hydraulic or mechanical aids
  • Cleaning machinery such as vacuum cleaners or floor polishers
  • Hand tools used for premises maintenance
  • Ladders or access equipment
  • Motor vehicles and hearse-related equipment

Accidents involving work equipment can arise from a range of issues, including operator error, mechanical failure, electrical faults or inadequate training.

Your legal responsibilities

If someone is injured while using work equipment, you may need to demonstrate that you have met your duty of care.

In addition, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) apply to anyone who owns, controls or manages work equipment, or whose employees use it.

These regulations also apply to equipment during:

  • Repair and maintenance
  • Servicing and cleaning
  • Transportation

Under PUWER, work equipment must be:

  • Suitable for its intended use
  • Safe and properly maintained, with inspections where necessary
  • Used only by trained and competent individuals
  • Fitted with appropriate safeguards, such as guards, emergency stops or warning markings

Other regulations may also apply depending on the equipment used, including lifting and personal protective equipment regulations.

Common hazards to look out for

Typical risks associated with work equipment include:

  • Using equipment incorrectly (for example, standing on chairs instead of ladders)
  • Broken or damaged equipment
  • Unguarded moving parts
  • Hot or cold surfaces that could cause burns
  • Sharp or rough edges
  • Electrical faults, such as damaged cables
  • Making adjustments while equipment is still running
  • Lack of training or instruction
  • Equipment left accessible to unauthorised users
  • Unapproved modifications to equipment
  • Poor lighting in work areas

This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights common issues that can lead to accidents or injuries.

Practical precautions you can take

To reduce risk, consider the following precautions:

  • Use equipment only for its intended purpose and in suitable conditions
  • Ensure work areas are well-lit and kept tidy
  • Fit, use and maintain all safety guards and controls
  • Carry out pre-use checks where required
  • Remove faulty or damaged equipment from use promptly
  • Provide appropriate training and information to users
  • Secure equipment when not in use to prevent unauthorised access
  • Inspect equipment regularly for wear or damage
  • Maintain equipment in line with manufacturer instructions
  • Provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) where needed
Establishing safe systems of work

1. Identify your equipment
List all work equipment used across your premises, including anything brought in by employees. Consider what each item is used for and who uses it.

2. Check your precautions
Review whether existing controls are adequate. Ensure equipment is:

  • CE or UKCA marked
  • Free from defects
  • Properly installed and stable
  • Complete with all required safeguards
  • Used in clean, well-lit areas
  • Supported by appropriate PPE

Formal risk assessments can help identify gaps and responsibilities.

3. Maintain and inspect equipment
Regular checks and planned maintenance help to identify faults at an early stage. More complex equipment should be maintained by suitably trained and qualified individuals, with records of inspections and servicing retained where required.

4. Train staff
The level of training needed will depend on the equipment and the risks involved. This may range from basic instruction to more specialist training. Unauthorised or untrained individuals should never be allowed to use machinery.

5. Document your arrangements
Keep records of:

  • Risk assessments
  • Maintenance and inspection logs
  • Training provided
  • Health and safety policies
  • Accident records

Clear documentation can be invaluable in the event of an incident or claim.

For further support, our Funeral Directors Risk Management Guide provides practical guidance on identifying, managing and reducing risks across your premises. From property protection and health and safety considerations, the guide is designed to help funeral directors take a proactive approach to risk management throughout the year.

These lists are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. This guidance is intended for general information and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional or legal advice.

About SEIB Insurance Brokers

SEIB have been providing Funeral Director Insurance and Funeral Car Insurance for over 40 years. If you’d like further guidance or have questions about your insurance cover, call 01708 850000 or email info@seib.co.uk.

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