Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 2026 - Health and Safety Legislation Consultations

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has been reviewing specific UK Health and Safety legislation to form a judgment on whether the Island would benefit from greater alignment with UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards. As part of that process, consideration has also been given to whether this UK HSE legislation would enhance public and worker safety for offshore energy developments. This process has culminated in public consultation of specific draft legislation, with the starting point for most of the legislation being existing UK legislation. 

DEFA has welcomed stakeholder and public feedback on the proposed health and safety legislation, and where appropriate any associated guidance documentation, through this public consultation process. 
 

Respondents strongly supported the IOM continuing to follow UK health and safety standards and processes, viewing alignment as best practice and beneficial for clarity, consistency, and organisations operating across both jurisdictions. Several respondents emphasised the importance of mirroring UK regulation structure and numbering to improve understanding and reduce the risk of misinterpretation for duty holders, training providers, and practitioners. 

While many respondents felt the draft legislation was broadly clear, some identified a need for greater certainty around which UK guidance documents and Approved Codes of Practice should apply on the Island. Most respondents considered the proposed implementation strategy and timescale to be appropriate, although some raised concerns about industry readiness, particularly in light of concurrent legislative reforms, training capacity, and the potential cumulative impact on smaller businesses. The majority highlighted the importance of supporting measures such as clear and practical guidance, targeted communication, training provision, transitional arrangements, and proportionate implementation. 

Overall, respondents welcomed the direction of travel and the continued modernisation of IOM health and safety legislation, while stressing the importance of practicality, proportionality, and continued engagement with stakeholders.

The DEFA Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate (HSWI) is grateful to all those who took the time to consider and respond to this consultation.

Due to the December 2025 holiday period and the limited number of initial responses received, it was decided to extend the closing date of the outstanding health and safety legislation consultations to 31 March 2026.  

The consultation process and responses received informed the Department’s assessment of the benefits of the proposed legislation. All consultation responses were considered in detail, alongside direct engagement with relevant Manx businesses. The consultation process has therefore informed the Department’s decision making. Having considered all available information, the Department has decided to pause the introduction of this tranche of legislation until further notice.