Banksman Training Course

A Banksman is responsible for directing and supervising the safe movement of vehicles, plant machinery and lifting operations in areas where there is a risk to people or property.

Banksmen are commonly used on:

• construction sites
• warehouse loading bays
• manufacturing facilities
• distribution centres

Using recognised hand signals, clear communication and agreed safe working procedures, they help drivers complete manoeuvres safely while reducing the risk of collisions, injuries and damage to equipment.

A Banksman also monitors the surrounding work area for hazards such as:

• blind spots
• changing site conditions
• uneven ground
• unauthorised pedestrian access
• workplaces where vehicles regularly manoeuvre in close proximity to pedestrians.

They ensure that vehicle movements are carried out safely and stop operations immediately if conditions become unsafe.

Yes. In most UK workplaces, the terms Banksman and Traffic Marshal are used interchangeably to describe the person responsible for directing vehicle movements safely. Although some industries favour one title over the other, the duties and responsibilities are generally the same.

Construction sites often use the term Banksman, particularly where plant machinery, excavators and lifting operations are involved. Warehouses, logistics companies and distribution centres may be more likely to use the term Traffic Marshal, especially when managing delivery vehicles, HGVs and loading bay operations.

Whether it's refered to as Banksman or Traffic Marshal in the place of work, the role focuses on maintaining clear communication between drivers and pedestrians, reducing the risks associated with reversing vehicles and ensuring vehicle movements are completed safely.

Banksman Training is recommended for anyone responsible for directing, supervising or assisting with vehicle movements where pedestrians, plant machinery or workplace transport activities create potential risks.

It is particularly valuable where:

• Drivers have restricted visibility
• Vehicles regularly reverse or manoeuvre in confined spaces
• Pedestrians and vehicles share the same working area
• Workplace transport forms part of daily operations

Employers may also choose to provide Banksman Training for anyone who regularly works around moving vehicles to improve workplace awareness and promote safer working practices.

Industries that commonly require Banksman Training include:

• construction
• manufacturing
• warehousing
• transport and logistics
• waste management
• ports
• agriculture
• industrial facilities.

Providing suitable training helps organisations reduce workplace transport risks, improve communication between drivers and pedestrians, and support compliance with UK health and safety responsibilities.

There is no specific law that states every workplace must appoint a Banksman or Traffic Marshal. However, UK health and safety legislation places a duty on employers to protect employees and others from risks associated with workplace transport.

Where vehicle movements present significant hazards, employers are expected to carry out suitable risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures. Depending on the nature of the work, appointing a trained Banksman may form part of a safe system of work, particularly where drivers have limited visibility, vehicles regularly reverse or pedestrians share the same working area.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, together with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, requires employers to provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to help ensure work activities are carried out safely.

Banksman Training helps organisations demonstrate that employees responsible for directing vehicle movements understand their role, communicate effectively and contribute to safer workplace transport operations.

There is no fixed legal expiry date for Banksman Training, but refresher training should be provided whenever it is necessary to ensure employees remain competent and up to date with safe working practices.

Many organisations choose to refresh Banksman Training every three years as good practice, although the appropriate interval will depend on the individual's experience, the complexity of their work and any changes to workplace procedures or equipment.

Regular refresher training helps;

• reinforce safe communication techniques
• to recognise hand signals
• be aware of the risks and current workplace procedures
• ensure banksmen continue carring out their responsibilities safely and confidently.