With the UK’s highest ever June temperature recorded this month, there is no doubt that summer has begun. And with the sunshine comes added pressure on both machinery and its operators, increasing the risk of an incident. But a timely Thorough Examination can get ahead of the risks and ensure machinery works more efficiently.

Prevent incidents with a timely inspection

The recent jump in temperature can massively impact the machinery you rely on, especially when it’s not receiving a timely Thorough Examination. Forklifts, telehandlers, and other lifting equipment face increased wear and pressure during the summer months, especially if they’re used outdoors and over long shifts.

Common summer risks include:

• Overheating in engines, hydraulic systems, and drive units
• Accelerated tyre degradation and pressure imbalances
• Brake fade due to higher operating temperatures
• Hydraulic fluid breakdown
• Electrical faults in battery-powered models from excessive heat exposure

And any one of these faults caused by the heat could result in machinery downtime and damage.

As temperatures rise, we also see an increase in machinery fires caused by:

• Hydraulic or engine oil leaks
• Overheating brakes or motors
• Cracked hoses or damaged electrical wiring
• Blocked filers or excess debris around the power unit
• Worn-out seals allowing flammable material to build up

How can CFTS help?

A CFTS competent person will be truly thorough. They sign up to a 60-page Quality Assurance Procedural Code covering methods, training, company administration and more. The Code also details who is responsible for what and how a Competent Person carries out their work giving you confidence in a safe, fair, and legal Thorough Examination covering LOLER and PUWER.

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) covers all lifting aspects of machinery such as forks, chains, and hydraulic functions. While PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) checks aspects such as safety systems, steering, and tyres. These are all features that are more susceptible in the hot weather.

The true cost of skipping an inspection

If the heat has put machinery out of action, you will most likely need to hire or buy a replacement piece of kit, depending on the extent of damage done. A telehandler for example, can cost up to £500 a week, soon totaling up to thousands, and the cost of buying a new one entirely can cost up to £150,000.

That’s why a timely Thorough Examination is essential. It’s not just a tick box exercise. It’s a legal requirement that will protect your staff, operation, and can save you hundreds of thousands of pounds.

HSE conviction rate rises to 96%

Not only do summer faults increase the risk of machinery downtime and damage, but also an incident that could result in HSE investigation.

According to recent figures, HSE’s conviction rate rose from 94% to 96% in 2025, with fines regularly hitting £1 million or more.

But by getting a timely Thorough Examination from a CFTS-accredited examiner, you reduce the risk of an incident occurring, and the financial implications.     

With over 800 CFTS-accredited members nationwide, it’s easy to find a local expert who can reduce the risk of machinery faults in the heat — keeping you compliant and protected.