What is a banksman, and does your workplace need one?

What is a banksman?

A banksman is a person who is responsible for guiding and directing the movement of vehicles and machinery, such as on a construction site or in factories and warehouses. A banksman ensures that the driver or machine operator can manoeuvre safely, especially when there is limited visibility, space or in crowded work sites. 

The role of a banksman

Some of the key responsibilities of a banksman include: 

• Using hand signals or radio communication to direct trucks and lorries into tight spaces for unloading and uploading. 
• Controlling and managing traffic to ensure traffic on site flows efficiently and avoids congestion.  
• Making sure site entrances and exits are secure when necessary.  
• Keeping pedestrians and unauthorised staff away from areas of traffic to help prevent accidents.
  Supporting the movements of a crane, ensuring any potential hazards are out of the way, and communicating them to the crane operator.  

Does your workplace need a banksman?

If you are assessing whether your workplace could benefit from having a banksman, here are some key factors to consider to help you decide: 

• High traffic: If your workplace involves a lot of vehicle movement, such as trucks, cranes or forklifts, then a banksman can help ensure smooth movement around your site and help reduce the risk of accidents. 
• Challenging environments: High traffic and limited visibility can make vehicle movement in some workplaces difficult. But a banksman can help guide drivers and machine operators, spotting hazards and preventing congestion or costly accidents. 
• Compliance: In some industries, having a banksman is a legal requirement. This can include construction, logistics, warehousing and railways. Ensuring regulatory compliance can help you avoid penalties or legal action.
  
• Safety: If your workplace is a hazardous or complex environment, having a banksman on-site can help improve the safety of your people and assets. It also demonstrates your commitment to the safety of your workforce. 
• Pedestrians on site: In workplaces such as logistics hubs, where pedestrians and vehicles are both present, it can be hugely beneficial to have a banksman to help prevent safety incidents from occurring. 

Be prepared with our banksman services

With more than 10 years of experience in the sector, Stonewall Security’s experts are committed to always delivering premium-quality service. As a local business, we are deeply invested in protecting our community, making us the ideal choice for your security needs. 

Accidents can easily happen anywhere, but having an SIA-licenced, qualified, and highly skilled Stonewall Security bankman on site can help prevent such dangers and risks. If you have any questions or want to discuss your requirements, please get in touch.