Define Banksman: Role, Duties, and Safety Tips

Have you ever watched a big crane or truck move on a busy site and wondered how it doesn’t crash into anything? That’s where a banksman comes in. In fact, about 16–18% of all work-related deaths in Great Britain happen when people are hit by moving vehicles making it one of the main causes of workplace deaths. In this guide, we will define banksman and explore why their role matters so much.

A banksman is the eyes and voice for drivers and machine operators. They give clear hand signals, guide vehicles in tight spaces, and make sure everyone stays safe. In construction, logistics or lifting operations, a banksman can prevent accidents and even save lives. Understanding what they do helps teams work better, faster, and safer.

In this article, we explain the meaning of a banksman and their signals. You will learn what they are, why they matter, and the main hand and verbal signals they use. You will also learn about the training needed to stay safe on site.

What Is a Banksman?

A banksman is a person who helps drivers and machine operators move safely on work sites. They are like the eyes and voice for people driving big trucks, cranes, or forklifts. Their main goal is to stop accidents before they happen.

Banksmen are needed in many industries, especially construction, logistics, shipping yards, and places where heavy lifting happens. They guide vehicles in tight spaces, give clear hand signals, and watch out for dangers that drivers cannot see.

They also check the area before the machines move, making sure no one is in the way. Banksmen communicate with drivers constantly, keeping workers safe and helping the job run smoothly. Without them, accidents, injuries, and delays can happen easily.

What Are the Key Responsibilities of a Banksman?

A banksman helps keep work sites safe by guiding drivers and machine operators. For example, they act as the driver’s “eyes,” using hand signals or radios to prevent accidents. Also, they manage traffic, keep pedestrians safe, and make sure everyone follows safety rules, especially when visibility is limited or when vehicles are reversing.

Key Duties:

• Vehicle Guidance: Direct trucks, cranes, and other machinery safely using hand signals or radio.
• Risk Management: Spot hazards like blind spots, obstacles or overhead cables and keep people safe.
• Traffic Management: Organise vehicle and pedestrian routes to avoid congestion.
• Communication: Give clear instructions to drivers and operators.
• Safety Compliance: Make sure all work follows safety rules and risk assessments.
• Emergency Response: Stop work immediately if it becomes unsafe.
• Site Awareness: Watch the whole site, including pedestrians and other machinery, to keep everyone safe.

Banksmen work in places like construction sites, factories, warehouses, and forestry areas, helping vehicles and machinery move safely. They need to communicate well, whether it’s talking, using hand signals, or radios, and always stay alert to what’s going on around them. They also need to know safety rules, spot risks and be ready to act quickly if something changes. Staying calm and focused is really important. Basically, banksmen are the people who make sure everything runs smoothly and everyone stays safe on busy work sites.

Which Skills Make a Good Banksman?

A banksman, also called a traffic marshal, needs good communication skills to guide drivers safely. They use simple words, hand signals, and radios to give clear instructions. Moreover, they must pay close attention to their surroundings, follow safety rules, and stay calm under pressure. Physical fitness also matters because banksmen stand and walk for long hours and sometimes need to move quickly.

A good banksman should know how to spot dangers and act fast to prevent accidents. They need to watch vehicles, workers, and the whole site at the same time. Meanwhile, they should judge space well so they can guide vehicles and moving loads safely. Banksmen also need to solve problems quickly and stay calm in stressful situations. Proper training is important, and many banksmen complete special training and hold a CSCS card or a driving licence. Therefore, confidence helps them give clear directions and control traffic safely. They must also work well with others, since teamwork and clear communication keep the site safe. As a result, ongoing learning and experience help banksmen handle difficult situations more safely and easily.

Why Do Banksman Signals Matter?

Banksmen in the UK are still very important for keeping work sites safe. Firstly, they prevent accidents when vehicles are reversing, reduce injuries, and protect property by guiding large trucks and machinery. Moreover, they help manage traffic, keep pedestrians safe and ensure sites follow health and safety rules.

• Preventing Fatal Accidents: Banksmen act as the eyes and ears for drivers, which greatly lowers the risk of reversing accidents that could hurt workers or pedestrians.
• Safety and Efficiency: They help big vehicles and machinery move safely, thus work runs more smoothly and downtime is reduced.
• Managing Busy Sites: As construction and logistics sites become more crowded, banksmen keep traffic flowing safely in tight spaces.
• Following the Law: Employers rely on trained banksmen to meet health and safety rules and manage risks that cannot be removed in other ways.
• Better Communication: They give clear hand signals or use radios, so drivers can operate safely even when visibility is limited.

In addition, banksmen are essential whenever multiple vehicles or machines operate at the same time. Finally, having skilled banksmen on site makes work safer, faster, and more efficient.

What Are Banksman Hand Signs?

Banksman hand signals help guide vehicles safely on work sites.Moreover, they follow the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Firstly, these signals make sure drivers know exactly what to do, which prevents accidents. In addition, using standard hand signs improves communication between the banksman and driver, even when the site is noisy or visibility is low.

Key Standard Banksman Signals:

• Start/Attention: Both arms straight out at shoulder height, palms forward. This tells the driver to get ready.
• Stop/End of Movement: Right arm up, palm forward.
• Danger (Emergency Stop): Both arms up, palms forward. Therefore, the vehicle must stop immediately.
• Move Forward: Arms bent, palms up, sweeping towards the chest.
• Move Backwards: Arms bent, palms down, sweeping away from the chest.
• Turn Right/Left: One arm out, palm down, pointing the way to turn.
• End of Operation: Hands clasped together at chest height.
• Distance/Alignment: Arms show the space between the vehicle and objects. As a result, drivers can judge distances safely.

Essential Safety Rules:

Wear high-visibility clothing so the driver can see you clearly. Before starting work, the driver and banksman should agree on the signals they will use. Use only one signal at a time so the driver does not get confused. Stand in a safe place where you stay visible, and never stand in the path of a vehicle. Always stay alert and focused, and keep watching your surroundings because site conditions can change quickly.

What Common Mistakes Should Banksmen Avoid in the UK?

Banksmen in the UK need to be very careful because moving vehicles cause about 16% of workplace deaths. For example, standing in the wrong place or giving unclear signals can cause serious accidents. Also, not following safety rules makes the site dangerous.

Key Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Poor Positioning and Visibility

• Standing in blind spots: Never stand where the driver cannot see you, especially behind a reversing vehicle.
• Not staying visible: Always wear high-visibility clothing and stay in clear view.
• Standing in the “crush zone”: Don’t stand between the vehicle and walls, other vehicles, or objects.

2. Signal and Communication Errors

• Using wrong signals: Always use standard hand signals, not made-up gestures.
• Not agreeing on signals first: Make sure you and the driver understand signals before starting.
• Assuming understanding: Stop and check if the driver clearly understands.
• Shaky or fast gestures: Avoid quick or unclear movements.
• Ignoring the “Stop” signal: Raise both arms immediately if there is danger.

3. Procedural and Environmental Mistakes

• Rushing: Don’t hurry the reversing; it can cause accidents.
• Ignoring surroundings: Watch for people, machines and other hazards.
• Not stopping when out of sight: Stop if the driver loses sight of you.
• Poor conditions: Use radios when visibility is low or it is noisy.

4. Training and Safety Problems

• Untrained workers: Only trained banksmen should guide vehicles.
• No proper safety gear: Always wear helmets, boots and high-visibility clothing.
• Breaking site rules: Follow all safety rules and report problems.

Key Tip: Finally, always stop the vehicle if there is danger or if the driver cannot see you. Therefore, being careful keeps everyone safe.

Which Equipment Helps Banksmen Guide Vehicles Safely?

Banksmen in the UK use simple tools and safety gear to guide vehicles and machinery safely. For example, they rely on hand signals, high-visibility clothing, and, on large or busy sites, two-way radios. Also, they use traffic cones, barriers and sometimes lifting accessories when helping with cranes.

Key Tools and Equipment:

• Signalling Tools: Bright hand paddles, bats, or gloves to make signals easy to see.
• Communication Devices: Two-way radios are essential for noisy sites or when the driver cannot see the banksman clearly.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • High-visibility vests, jackets or trousers (usually yellow or orange)
  • Hard hats for head protection
  • Safety boots for foot protection
• Traffic Management Equipment: Cones, barriers, and bollards to separate vehicles from pedestrians.
• Lifting Accessories (for crane work): Slings, chains, shackles or hooks used together with the crane operator.

Safety Rules:

• Standard Hand Signals: Always follow HSE-approved hand signals for vehicles and cranes.
• Communication Check: Make sure the driver understands the signals before starting and stops if they lose sight of you.
• Safe Positioning: Always stand in a safe, visible spot, so the driver can see you clearly. In addition, this prevents accidents on site.
• Finally, staying alert at all times ensures that both workers and vehicles stay safe.

What Career Paths and Opportunities Are Available for Banksmen?

Banksmen (also called Traffic Marshals or Signallers) are in high demand in the UK. They work in construction, logistics, and renewable energy. For example, salaries usually range from £29,250 to £35,100 per year, and experienced workers can earn £19–£23 per hour. Also, the career has clear steps for progress, from entry-level to specialised roles, and even supervisory positions. In addition, both permanent and temporary jobs are available.

Career Path and Progression

• Entry Level (Banksman/Traffic Marshal): No formal qualifications are needed. Employers usually want a CSCS card and a Banksman/Traffic Marshal training course (like CPCS or NPORS).
• Intermediate Level (Slinger/Signaller): Specialised training (e.g., CPCS A40) allows guiding crane lifts and heavy machinery. This role pays more and involves more technical work.
• Senior/Supervisory Roles: Experienced banksmen can become Site Supervisors, Plant Managers or Appointed Persons (who plan lifts).
• Specialised Industries: Jobs exist in aircraft marshalling, rail signalling, and renewable energy construction.

Opportunities in 2026

• Renewable Energy & Infrastructure: Many roles are available in wind turbine projects and other renewable energy sites.
• High-Demand Locations: London and the South East have many jobs due to large construction projects.
• Specialist Certifications: CPCS or NPORS tickets are highly valued, especially for Slinger/Signaller roles.
• Project-Based Work: Many jobs are contract-based, sometimes lasting up to 12 months, giving stability.

Skills and Training Needed

• Certifications: CPCS A73 (Vehicle Marshall) or CPCS A40 (Slinger/Signaller) are often required.
• Physical & Mental Skills: Good verbal communication, clear hand signals and alertness in noisy, outdoor sites.

• Safety Knowledge: Understanding health and safety rules, like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, is essential.

Salary Expectations in 2026

• Hourly Rates: £13.50 to over £23 for experienced roles.
• Annual Salary: Around £29,250–£35,100, with extra pay possible through overtime. Therefore, gaining experience and certifications can increase your income.

Finally, banksmen have a clear career path, and as a result, pursuing training and experience opens many opportunities in 2026.

Final Thoughts: Define Banksman 

Banksmen play a very important role in keeping work sites safe and organised. They guide vehicles, watch for dangers, and help prevent accidents every day. With the right skills, training, and focus, a good banksman can protect both workers and drivers.

This career also offers strong job opportunities and clear paths for growth. By learning safety rules, improving communication, and gaining experience, banksmen can build a stable and rewarding future. Most importantly, their work helps everyone go home safe at the end of the day.

If you want to understand the banksman role in a simple and practical way, our blog gives clear guidance on duties, skills, safety tips, and career paths. It explains everything step by step, so beginners and professionals can both learn easily. Read our full guide to improve your knowledge and stay safer on work sites.

FAQs: Define Banksman

1. What is the role of a banksman?

• A banksman guides vehicles and machinery safely on work sites. They use hand signals or radios, watch for dangers, and help prevent accidents.

2. What is a banksman’s salary?

• In the UK, a banksman usually earns about £29,000–£35,000 per year. Hourly pay often ranges from £13 to £20, depending on experience and location.

3. Do you need a qualification to be a banksman?

• You do not always need formal qualifications, but most employers want banksman training and a CSCS card. Certification improves job chances and safety skills.

4. What is another name for a banksman?

• Another common name for a banksman is traffic marshal. Some sites also call them a vehicle marshal or signaller.

5. What jobs pay £20 an hour in the UK?

• Jobs that can pay around £20 an hour include experienced banksmen, electricians, plumbers, heavy machine operators, and some construction supervisors.

6. Is £25k a good salary in the UK?

• £25,000 is an average entry-level salary in many parts of the UK. It can cover basic living costs, but comfort depends on location and expenses.

7. How long does a banksman course take?

• Most banksman courses take one day to complete. Some advanced or combined courses may last two to three days.

8. Is a rigger the same as a banksman?

• No, a rigger is not the same as a banksman. A rigger focuses on lifting and securing heavy loads, while a banksman mainly guides vehicles and traffic.