Being struck by a moving vehicle is the second biggest safety related killer within Construction; when you’re already operating in a high-risk environment, why chance further avoidable injuries or death when there’s readily available legal guidance and training to help manage vehicle movement on site?

Although not the only piece of the jigsaw when creating your Safe System of Work (SSOW), employing a Vehicle Banksman is widely regarded as HSE best practice and a key cog within the management wheel. In this blog we’re going to look at the role of Vehicle Banksman, sometimes referred to a as Vehicle Marshal, a bit more closely.

So what is a Vehicle Banksman?

Quite simply, the Vehicle Banksman is entrusted and trained to supervise, control and direct all vehicle movement on site, in particular the action of reversing to prevent unwanted collisions or accidents. They’re the eyes and ears on site, skilfully guiding a range of vehicles and heavy plant into operational areas around site using a variety of hand signals and positional awareness to assist vehicle operators when manoeuvring around blind spots, tight confined spaces and busy work areas. But they do much more than just guide large vehicles, they’ll also police site rules enforcing key segregated routes for people and plant/vehicles and maintain access for workers and visitors onto site.

Who needs Vehicle Banksman training?

Any person who is directly involved in the supervision of moving plant, vehicles and/or machinery requires formal training and instruction. It’s advisable that those planning route and vehicle management also have a good understanding about the role, and ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the employer to assess risk and ensure Vehicle Banksman are appropriately trained and sufficient numbers are available across site to control movement activities.

Although there’s quite a range of training options available, all courses follow a typical theme of topics which many include;

• Planning and preparation
• Guidance and legislation including the HSG 136 standard
• Safe passage of reversing vehicles
• Practical application using a range of hand signals

But can anyone be a Vehicle Banksman? 

Whilst training courses are open to everybody, the selection of those likely to undergo training must have sound and clear communication skills, excellent situational awareness, self-confidence and the ability to use a range of complex signals, to name just a few.

What qualifications do I need and is there courses near me?

Presuming you’ve already attained the necessary CSCS card, likely a green card for this role, your next step is to attend a formal Vehicle Banksman training course. Our most popular course is the ½ day Vehicle Banksman which is typically conducted on site anywhere in the UK for up to 10 learners. Our course is delivered by qualified and experienced trainers and assessed via various practical scenarios culminating with a multiple-choice question paper. Upon successful completion, all participants will receive an ESS certification and ID Card valid for 3 years.

Essential Site Skills provide in-company training at the convenience of your own site - this saves you time, money and minimises disruption to your busy construction schedules. However, certain requirements must be met by your organisation to accommodate the training.

For example, your organisation must have access to a decent size of work area which must not involve using a public road. This is to ensure the safety of the learners, trainers and pedestrians. You must also be able to provide your own vehicle.

To see a full run-down of our terms and conditions please visit our website. Alternatively, you can contact a member of our team directly here.

What other similar courses do you provide?

As well our vehicle banksman course, Essential Site Skills offers a range of vehicle and machinery marshal training to suit your organisation’s specific requirements. These include:

• CPCS Plant and Vehicle Marshaller
• NPORS Vehicle Marshal
• NPORS Plant Machinery Marshal
• NPORS Excavation Marshal Banksperson

If you are interested in any of these courses or want to make any further enquires please get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to help you.