Why a vehicle banksman is imperative to site safety

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There are over 5,000 workplace accidents involving transport every year with around 50 of these result in fatality (www.hse.gov.uk/statistics).  Careful management of vehicle movement in the workplace is required to control and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Managing workplace transport effectively required three key areas to be considered when undertaking a risk assessment: safe site, safe vehicle, safe driver. Further information into the three key areas can be found in the HSE (2013) brief guide to Workplace Transport Safety INDG199. This article considers the role of a vehicle banksman and why they are so important to site safety.

A vehicle banksman is vital in managing the safety of everyone on site when there are vehicles present in the workplace such as loading bays and building sites. Plain and simple, they are the person in charge of directing the movements of large vehicles in the workplace, however there is so much more to this role.

Vehicle banksmen must be the eyes and ears of drivers, such as those who operate or drive LGV/HGV’s, cranes or heavy plant, ensuring any manoeuvres they make are safe and do not put anyone on site at risk. They are expected to safely and skilfully direct drivers to prevent any unwanted collisions or accidents using a variety of hand signals and high positional awareness.

The position is rather demanding and highly valued by all in the workplace including employers and colleagues. It requires clear communication skills, teamwork, self-confidence to give precise instructions and exceptional situational awareness. 

Due to the importance of the role, banksmen are required to be thoroughly and

comprehensively trained to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to conduct the job to the highest of standards.

Logistics Training Services LTD deliver Commercial Vehicle Goods Banksman training which is RTITB Accredited and is suitable for all who have workplace experience and awareness of industry operations. Training is conducted on site to ensure candidates are in an environment familiar to them and can be delivered to up to five candidates at any one time.

The course consists of both practical and classroom-based training covering all aspects of banksman training including banksman signals, drivers’ field of view and site procedures along with all relevant health and safety aspects. However, it is important to remember the third stage of training, ‘familiarisation’, is conducted ‘on the job’ by experienced, competent personnel following course completion and will be site specific.

Furthermore, we believe skills should be maintained and updated on a regular basis to maintain a safe working environment. An RTITB accredited certificate will last three years and they recommend training be refreshed before this period ends to ensure not only health and safety but for personal work job satisfaction and professionalism.

If you are interested in vehicle banksman training for yourself or those within your workplace or require additional information, contact Logistics Training Services LTD today.

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