by admin | Mar 30, 2026 | Crane Supervisor, First Aid, Health and Safety, In house training, Lift planning, Slinger Signaller
Over the past few months, All Star Safety Ltd has been working across a wide range of projects, supporting construction companies, contractors, and organisations with their health and safety, training, and competency requirements. The variety of work reflects the changing demands within the industry, with clients increasingly looking for flexible, practical solutions that genuinely improve safety standards on site.
A significant part of recent activity has focused on delivering bespoke training tailored to client operations. This has included in-house slinger signaller training aligned to site-specific lifting operations, overhead crane training for industrial environments, and lift supervisor courses designed around real project scenarios rather than generic classroom content. Work at height training has also been delivered to reflect the actual risks operatives face on site, ensuring that delegates leave with practical knowledge they can apply immediately. These types of programmes form part of our wider approach to tailored training solutions, which you can explore further on our training and consultancy services page.
Alongside bespoke training, accredited courses continue to be a core part of delivery. First aid training has been particularly busy, with both Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work courses now being delivered regularly at our Ipswich training centre and client sites. These courses support businesses in meeting their legal duties under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 while ensuring that staff are confident in responding to real incidents. Details of upcoming courses can be found via our course calendar.
NPORS training has also been expanding, with slinger signaller courses forming a key part of this. These are often integrated with NVQ pathways, allowing operatives to progress from training through to formal competence recognition and ultimately upgrade their cards.
NVQs remain one of the busiest areas of the business. Across Levels 2 through to Level 7, learners are being supported through qualifications in plant operations, lifting operations, supervision, and senior management. You can view the full range on our construction NVQs page.
These qualifications are designed to be flexible, work-based, and aligned with real site activity, helping individuals demonstrate competence without stepping away from their roles.
In addition to training and qualifications, All Star Safety Ltd has been actively carrying out site inspections and supporting clients with their compliance and accreditation requirements. This includes helping businesses prepare for schemes such as CHAS, Constructionline, and SSIP, as well as providing ongoing consultancy to improve standards and reduce risk. These inspections are not just about identifying issues, but about working collaboratively with site teams to implement practical improvements that align with guidance from organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive.
One of the most exciting developments has been the rapid expansion of our e-learning offering. Our e-learning courses are growing quickly and are on track to cover all core health and safety topics by the middle of the year.
These courses are designed to provide high-quality, UK-relevant training that goes beyond basic awareness and supports real understanding of workplace risks and responsibilities.
Alongside this, our new employer e-learning portal is now live, providing businesses with a centralised platform to manage workforce training. Through the online training platform, employers can enrol staff, track progress, and access certificates in one place.
This is particularly valuable for companies managing multiple sites or teams, giving clear oversight of compliance and training status across the business.
Overall, the work being carried out reflects a clear direction: combining practical training, recognised qualifications, consultancy support, and digital learning to provide a complete safety solution. Rather than offering isolated services, the aim is to support clients across every stage of their health and safety journey.
If you are looking to improve safety standards, upskill your workforce, or streamline your training and compliance processes, All Star Safety Ltd can support you.
For enquiries or to discuss your requirements:
0330 133 0402
01473 561 402
info@allstarsafety.co.uk
by admin | Oct 5, 2025 | Consultancy Services, Health and Safety, Lift planning, Safety Update
Insights from this year’s leading construction events
This autumn, All Star Safety Ltd attended two of the UK’s most influential construction industry trade shows — Vertikal Days and UK Construction Week — both of which offered valuable insights into the future of safety, training and site technology.
Vertikal Days, held at the East of England Showground, continues to be the UK’s most focused event for lifting and access equipment. As a centre that delivers NVQs for crane supervisors, appointed persons, and slinger/signallers — as well as lift planning consultancy — we found the event particularly relevant. From new telehandlers and tower cranes, to lifting accessories, rescue systems, and operator safety technologies, the innovations on display showed that the lifting sector is rapidly evolving — and so must training and compliance systems.
Over at UK Construction Week in Birmingham, sustainability, digitalisation and site productivity took centre stage. As always, there was plenty of discussion around workforce development, skills gaps, and the rising demand for NVQs and accredited training as a solution to both compliance and retention. Our work in supporting firms with workforce upskilling — from plant operations to senior management NVQs — is directly aligned with these themes.
What we missed — and what’s coming next
Although we didn’t get the chance to attend Plantworx this year at Newark Showground, it’s very much on our radar for 2026. This event, which also takes place around the same time of year as Vertikal Days and UKCW, is one of the UK’s most hands-on exhibitions for construction equipment, plant, and related services. With our expanding NPORS training centre and ongoing support for CPCS to Blue Card upgrades, we’re keen to attend next year and connect with both suppliers and clients across the plant and lifting operations space.
Looking ahead, we’re also preparing for the Health and Safety Event in early 2026. This is one of the UK’s top forums for updates on legislation, new safety tech, and compliance trends across all industries — not just construction. As a provider of health & safety consultancy, workplace audits, and NVQs in occupational safety, it’s an important fixture for staying current and ensuring our offer matches the needs of our clients.
Why trade shows matter for you
Whether you’re a construction manager, H&S advisor, or training coordinator, these events reveal where the industry is heading — and that’s key to keeping your workforce competent, compliant and competitive. Here are a few trends we’ve picked up from this year’s trade show circuit:
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Lifting operations are becoming more digitised, with new software, sensors, and planning tools. NVQs and CPCS/NPORS assessments need to reflect this shift.
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Green construction and sustainability are no longer buzzwords — they’re being baked into procurement, tendering, and skills frameworks.
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Training remains critical, not just for compliance but for staff retention, card renewals, and workforce progression. Grant funding and card upgrade deadlines are driving uptake.
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Health and safety is broadening to include mental health, digital safety tools, and more strategic, forward-looking approaches to risk management.
If you’re not already planning for how these themes impact your site or workforce, now’s the time to act.
How All Star Safety Ltd can support you
We’re more than just a training provider. We offer:
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NPORS and CPCS plant training and NVQs, including support for Red to Blue card upgrades
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Lifting operations consultancy, lift plan reviews, and NVQs in planning/supervising lifts
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Health & Safety consultancy, workplace audits, and support with new regulatory requirements
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NVQs from Level 2 to Level 7 across plant ops, site supervision, construction management, H&S, and more
Let’s make sure your team is ready for what’s next.
📞 Call us today on 0330 133 0402 or 01473 561 402
📩 Or email: info@allstarsafety.co.uk
by admin | Apr 24, 2025 | Consultancy Services, Lift planning, Safety Update
A major construction contractor has been fined following a serious incident where an unplanned lifting operation caused a structural collapse, resulting in widespread damage and disruption. According to Construction Enquirer, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concluded that the lift had not been planned by a competent Appointed Person and was carried out without suitable risk assessments or supervision.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of competent lift planning and formal qualification pathways—particularly for those in supervisory and management roles.
The Legal Requirement for Lift Planning and Supervision
Under LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and CDM 2015, lifting operations must:
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Be properly planned by a competent person
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Be supervised by qualified lifting personnel
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Have detailed method statements and risk assessments in place
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Use operatives and supervisors who are trained and certified for their roles
Failure to meet these standards can result in structural failure, serious injury, or even prosecution.
How NVQs Demonstrate Competence in Lifting and Site Management
To prevent such incidents, All Star Safety strongly encourages contractors and principal contractors to ensure their teams hold appropriate NVQs, such as:
These qualifications provide formal, portfolio-based evidence of competence that aligns with HSE expectations and card scheme requirements (CPCS, CSCS).
How All Star Safety Can Help
✔ Nationwide delivery of lifting-related NVQs and site management qualifications
✔ Support with CPCS Blue Card applications for lifting roles
✔ Consultancy and audit services to improve lifting operation planning and site compliance
✔ Flexible assessment via Quals Direct, Teams, and on-site visits
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402
📞 01473 561 402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk
🌐 Contact us here
by admin | Mar 12, 2025 | Lift planning, Lifting Equipment Inspection, Safety Update
The Importance of Lifting Equipment Inspections Under LOLER 1998
Lifting operations play a critical role in construction, logistics, and many other industries. However, poorly maintained lifting equipment can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and costly project delays. Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), all lifting equipment must be regularly inspected and properly maintained to ensure safe operation.
Employers are legally required to ensure that lifting operations are carried out safely, with competent personnel overseeing the use and maintenance of lifting equipment. Failing to meet LOLER requirements can result in enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including fines and project shutdowns.
What Does LOLER 1998 Require?
LOLER places strict requirements on the use of lifting equipment, including:
•Thorough Examination & Inspection – Lifting equipment must be examined at regular intervals by a competent person. For most lifting equipment, this means every 6 months for lifting accessories and every 12 months for lifting machinery.
•Risk Assessments & Safe Use – Employers must assess lifting operations to ensure they are planned, supervised, and conducted safely.
•Record Keeping – Thorough examination reports must be kept and made available to enforcing authorities if requested.
These requirements apply to all businesses that use lifting equipment, from construction sites using cranes, hoists, and telehandlers to warehouses operating forklifts and lifting accessories.
Ensuring Workforce Competency in Lifting Operations
To comply with LOLER, businesses must ensure that employees involved in lifting operations are trained and competent. This includes:
•Appointed Persons – Responsible for planning lifting operations and ensuring compliance.
•Crane/Lifting Supervisors – Overseeing lifting activities on-site.
•Slinger/Signallers – Ensuring the safe attachment and movement of loads.
•Plant Operators – Operating cranes, telehandlers, and forklifts safely.
Competency can be demonstrated through formal NVQs and holding recognised CPCS, NPORS, or CSCS competency cards.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we provide expert support to help businesses meet LOLER requirements and maintain a competent workforce. Our services include:
✔ Lifting Equipment Inspections & Compliance Checks – Ensuring all lifting equipment meets LOLER standards.
✔ NVQ Assessments for Lifting Personnel – Supporting operators, signallers, and supervisors in achieving recognised qualifications.
✔ LOLER Risk Assessments & Lift Planning – Helping businesses ensure safe lifting operations.
✔ Health & Safety Consultancy – Providing expert advice to keep your business compliant.
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk
🌐 Contact us here
by admin | Mar 10, 2025 | Appointed Person, Consultancy Services, For the crane nerds, Lift planning
The Role of Appointed Persons in Lifting Operations
Lifting operations are a high-risk activity in construction and require meticulous planning and execution to ensure safety and compliance. One of the key roles in this process is that of the Appointed Person, who is responsible for planning lifting operations in accordance with LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and BS 7121 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes. Ensuring that an Appointed Person is properly trained and competent is essential for legal compliance and safe site operations.
What Does an Appointed Person Do?
The Appointed Person is responsible for:
• Planning and organising all lifting operations to ensure they are carried out safely.
•Conducting risk assessments and developing method statements for lifting tasks.
•Ensuring compliance with LOLER 1998 by selecting appropriate lifting equipment and ensuring proper maintenance.
• Coordinating with crane supervisors, slinger signallers, and lifting teams to ensure clear communication and safety procedures are followed.
Without a trained and competent Appointed Person, lifting operations may lack the necessary oversight, increasing the risk of accidents, regulatory breaches, and costly project delays.
Why Employers Must Ensure Competence in Lifting Operations
Under UK law, employers have a duty to ensure that all lifting operations are carried out safely and by competent personnel. Compliance with LOLER 1998, MHSWR 1999, and HASAWA 1974 is mandatory, and failure to do so can lead to enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Ensuring that lifting personnel hold relevant qualifications, such as an NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts, is a key step in demonstrating competence.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we offer expert training and assessments to help Appointed Persons and lifting teams gain the skills they need to operate safely and compliantly. Our services include:
✔ NVQ Assessments for Appointed Persons – Helping candidates achieve the qualifications needed for this role.
✔ Lifting Operations Risk Assessments – Ensuring compliance with LOLER and BS 7121.
✔ Site Audits & Compliance Checks – Helping businesses verify the competency of their lifting teams.
✔ Health & Safety Consultancy – Providing expert guidance to support safe lifting operations.
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk
🌐 Contact us here
by admin | Mar 5, 2025 | Appointed Person, CPCS Blue Card, Crane Supervisor, For the crane nerds, Lift planning
Ensuring Competence in Lifting Operations: Legal Requirements and Best Practices
Lifting operations are a critical aspect of many construction and industrial projects, requiring careful planning, supervision, and execution to ensure safety and compliance. Employers have a legal duty to ensure that all lifting activities are carried out safely and that those involved are competent to perform their roles. Understanding the key regulations and best practices can help businesses mitigate risks and avoid legal consequences.
Legal Requirements for Lifting Operations
Several UK regulations govern lifting operations to ensure safety and compliance:
•LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) – Requires that all lifting operations are properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely by competent persons. Regulation 8 specifically mandates that lifting operations must be conducted in a manner that prevents risk to employees and others.
•BS 7121 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes – Provides best practice guidance on crane safety, including lift planning, equipment inspection, and operational controls.
•MHSWR 1999 (Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations) – Requires employers to conduct risk assessments for lifting activities, ensuring adequate control measures are in place.
•HASAWA 1974 (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act) – Places a general duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of employees and others affected by their work activities, including lifting operations.
Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), project delays, and increased risks of workplace injuries.
Ensuring Workforce Competency in Lifting Operations
Employers must ensure that individuals involved in lifting operations are trained and competent. This includes:
•Appointed Persons – Responsible for planning and executing lifting operations in accordance with LOLER and BS 7121.
•Crane/Lifting Supervisors – Overseeing safe lifting procedures and ensuring compliance with risk assessments.
•Slinger/Signallers – Ensuring correct load handling and communication between lifting teams.
•Plant Operators – Trained to safely operate lifting equipment such as cranes, telehandlers, and excavators.
Competency can be demonstrated through formal NVQs, practical experience, and holding recognised competency cards such as CPCS, NPORS, or CSCS.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we specialise in lift planning, safety consultancy, and competency assessments to ensure compliance with UK regulations. Our services include:
✔ Lifting Operations Risk Assessments – Ensuring compliance with LOLER 1998, BS 7121, and MHSWR 1999.
✔ NVQ Assessments for Lifting Roles – Supporting candidates in achieving recognised qualifications such as the Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts.
✔ Site Audits & Compliance Checks – Identifying risks and ensuring lifting operations meet industry best practices.
✔ Competency Verification – Assisting employers in confirming their workforce holds the correct CPCS, NPORS, or CSCS cards.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your business in ensuring safe and compliant lifting operations.
📞 0330 133 0402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk
🌐 Contact us here