Reversing and Banksman Procedures

Reversing vehicles and plant are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal struck-by incidents on UK construction sites.
The most effective control is to eliminate reversing through one-way systems and drive-through loading arrangements.
Where reversing cannot be eliminated, a trained banksman must be used to guide the vehicle throughout the manoeuvre.
The banksman must be visible to the driver at all times — if eye contact or mirror visibility is lost, the vehicle must stop.
Standard banksman hand signals must be used as defined in the site traffic management plan and understood by both parties.
Reversing alarms alone are not sufficient protection — background noise on site often masks the warning sound.
Reversing cameras and radar proximity sensors assist the driver but do not replace the need for a trained banksman.
The banksman must maintain a safe position clear of the vehicle's path and never walk directly behind the reversing vehicle.
All banksmen must hold a valid CPCS or equivalent competency card confirming their training in vehicle marshalling.
A pre-start briefing between the driver and banksman must agree signals, route, and stopping positions before the manoeuvre.

Blind spot fatalities	Drivers cannot see directly behind plant and HGVs — a banksman provides the eyes where the driver is blind.
Eliminate first	The safest reversal is the one that does not happen — one-way systems and drive-through layouts remove the hazard entirely.
Communication failure	Misunderstood signals between driver and banksman cause collisions — agreed signals and eye contact prevent fatal miscommunication.

Do

Don't

Eliminate reversing wherever possible using one-way systems and drive-through layouts.
Use a trained banksman for all essential reversing manoeuvres near work areas.
Agree hand signals, route, and stopping position before starting the manoeuvre.
Maintain eye contact or mirror visibility between the banksman and driver at all times.
Stop the vehicle immediately if eye contact with the banksman is lost.
Position yourself clear of the vehicle's reversing path at all times as banksman.
Hold a valid CPCS or equivalent card before acting as a banksman on site.
Use radios in addition to hand signals when noise or distance limits visibility.
Ensure reversing alarms are working during the daily plant pre-use check.
Brief all pedestrians to stay clear of the reversing zone during the manoeuvre.

DON'T reverse vehicles or plant without a trained banksman in areas with pedestrians.
DON'T accept reversing as normal — look for ways to eliminate it from operations.
DON'T start reversing without agreeing signals and the intended route with the banksman.
DON'T continue reversing if you lose sight of the banksman — stop immediately.
DON'T walk directly behind a reversing vehicle, even as the banksman guiding it.
DON'T act as a banksman without valid training and a competency card.
DON'T rely on reversing alarms or cameras alone — they are aids, not substitutes.
DON'T use non-standard signals — stick to the agreed set to avoid confusion.
DON'T operate plant with a non-functioning reversing alarm — report and repair it.
DON'T allow pedestrians to walk through an active reversing zone on site.

See also: Plant and Pedestrian Segregation | Site Speed Limits and Route Planning

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