Reversing views on banksman training

Hundreds of people are seriously injured as a result of reversing vehicles every year, with nearly a quarter of all deaths involving vehicles at work occurring when a vehicle is reversing.

More than ever, the role of a Banksman is crucial to the overall safety of your site. Here’s what you must consider as an employer:

What are the risks of not having an on-site Banksman? Throughout the logistics industry, vehicle impacts with pedestrians, infrastructure an even other vehicles are very common. These risks can often be overlooked, even with Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) have been considered.

Why do incidents occur? Incidents can occur for a number of reasons: lack of management/supervision, time pressures, lack of training or even pure ignorance. Proper Banksman training can help to overcome these issues, massively reducing risks.

Site Hazards A Banksman should be trained to recognise hazards around the site which could cause issues for a reversing vehicle. General working knowledge of how your site works day-to-day and where the hazards lie can help reduce risks here.

Driver Knowledge of Your Site Your site may experience periodic changes meaning refresher training for your drivers and Banksman is needed. A Banksman needs to look at your environment with fresh eyes every day in order to spot new and existing hazards.

Before Reversing Before any manoeuvre commences, your driver and Banksman must identify if the route it suitable and safe for the task. Are they working to the same rules?

Driver Signals Certain vehicles can give your drivers a distorted view so your Banksman must always be visible in the drivers’ mirrors. Signals to the driver should be clear and concise communication regarding site rules should be relayed.

Parking and Reversing Where reversing and close manoeuvring is required, pedestrians must be kept clear from vehicles. The driver – and Banksman – must be able to see clearly. Often vehicles are guided in poor lighting, making trained Banksman a crucial asset.

Public spaces On occasion Banksman operations may not be carried out within the controlled confines of your site and drivers may have to tackle the difficulties of roadside deliveries. Pedestrians, moving vehicles and unsegregated pedestrian areas make for heightened risks, calling for a Banksman to control the situation safely.

If your business requires the use of a professionally trained Banksman, learn more about RTITB's Commercial Vehicle Banksman training, and Trainer’s Guide. Or call RTITB Solutions and Service Team to discuss on +44(0)1952 520207.