Reversing Assistants vs. Banksmen

Reversing Assistants vs. Banksmen

Reversing Assistants (Reversing in Waste Recycling Collections) vs. Banksmen: Crucial Roles in LGV & Plant Machinery Safety

During the demanding day-to-day operations of LGV and plant machinery operations, two key roles play a critical part in ensuring safe and efficient manoeuvres: Banksmen – (often called traffic marshals) and Reversing Assistants.

While the terminology is often used interchangeably, these have specific roles and have distinct responsibilities that require different skill sets and, are used in different applications

Reversing Assistants:

  • Primary Focus: A reversing assistant is defined as an employee who plays an active part in a reversing manoeuvre by providing the driver with prearranged hand signals. Their primary role is to prevent collisions with pedestrians and other road users
  • Responsibilities:
    • Assessing the reversing area: Identifying potential hazards like pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles, warn approaching vehicles or pedestrians.
    • Communicating effectively: Signal the collection vehicle driver to start and stop when necessary to prevent the vehicle colliding with pedestrians and other road users.
    • Maintaining situational awareness: Monitoring the reversing area for any unexpected changes or dangers and to alert the driver immediately.
    • Using appropriate signalling methods: Employing standardised hand signals to guide the driver accurately and safely as per industry guidance and training.

Banksmen:

  • Primary Focus: Ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment in the immediate vicinity of the moving vehicle or machinery.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Safe Traffic Management: Directing drivers and operators of vehicles and mobile plant to designated safe locations with precision and efficiency.
    • Controlling access: Keeping the area free from others whilst operations are underway.
    • Communicating with the operator: Informing the operator of any potential hazards or obstructions.
    • Coordinating with other workers: Ensuring all personnel are aware of the vehicle or machinery's movements and remain safe.
    • Maintaining constant vigilance: Constantly monitoring the work area for any unforeseen circumstances.

Key Differences between them both:

  • Reversing Assistants: Have responsibility for their own safety and for other people’s safety; however, the ultimate responsibility for the manoeuvre remains with the driver. Reversing assistants should not be deployed where to do so would expose the reversing assistants to greater hazard or risk than their deployment would control.
  • Banksmen: Primarily focused on ensuring work activities involving the movement of vehicles and mobile plant is undertaken safely. Directing vehicle movements on or around site, controlling access, and protecting personnel and equipment. A banksman is someone who controls the vehicle movement through signals and holds responsibility for the manoeuvre.

Importance of Training:

Both Reversing Assistants and Banksmen require specialised training that covers:

  • Risk assessment: Identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
  • Communication skills: Effective communication techniques.
  • Safe working practices: Understanding and adhering to relevant regulations, industry guidance, and procedures.
  • Emergency procedures: Knowing how to respond to accidents or incidents.

Both roles are vital in ensuring the safety and efficient day to day operations of LGV and plant machinery.

The use of a Reversing Assistant or Banksman should only be considered after the structured approach to the hierarchical controls in implementing effective risk controls have been explored. By understanding the distinct responsibilities of each role and investing in proper training, companies can significantly enhance safety on site and minimise the risk of accidents.

 

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always refer to relevant safety regulations and best practices for specific situations.

 

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