A banksman is a safety-critical role in the construction and engineering industries, responsible for guiding and directing vehicle movements, especially in situations with limited visibility or potentially hazardous areas. They act as a vital communication link between the vehicle operator and the surrounding environment, ensuring safe and efficient movement.
Key Responsibilities of a Banksman:
Guidance and Direction:
Banksmen communicate with vehicle operators, using hand signals, radio communication, or other methods, to
guide the vehicle's movement.
Safety:
They ensure the safety of pedestrians, workers, and other vehicles by monitoring the area and warning of
potential hazards.
Awareness:
Banksmen help keep everyone aware of vehicle movements and safety procedures on the site.
Risk Reduction:
They play a crucial role in preventing reversing accidents, which are a common source of injuries and damage
on construction sites.
Variations and Synonyms:
Flagman:
In some regions, particularly in North America, the term "flagman" is used interchangeably
with "banksman".
Dogman:
In Austria and New Zealand, the term "dogman" may be used for this role.
Spotter:
In the United States, "spotter" is a more common term.
In the context of coal mining, a "banksman" also refers to a worker at the pit bank who dispatches coal and
organizes the workforce, as described in the Glossary of coal mining terminology.
