Banksmen and slingers play a critical role in ensuring lifting operations and plant movements are carried out safely. The banksman guides vehicle and plant movements using agreed hand signals, while the slinger is responsible for attaching and detaching loads to lifting equipment. Both roles require formal training, competency certification, and a thorough understanding of the risks involved. Errors by banksmen and slingers have directly contributed to fatal incidents involving dropped loads and plant strikes.
Key Hazards
Dropped loads from incorrect slinging methods or incompatible lifting accessories
Plant striking pedestrians due to unclear or misunderstood banksman signals
Crush injuries when workers position themselves between moving plant and structures
Overloading lifting accessories by failing to verify the load weight correctly
Control Measures
Ensure all banksmen and slingers hold current CPCS or equivalent competency cards.
Use only the standard hand signals agreed at the pre-lift briefing for all plant movements.
Verify the weight of every load and select slings with an appropriate safe working load rating.
Inspect all lifting accessories including slings, shackles, and hooks before each use.
Maintain clear line of sight between the banksman and the plant operator at all times.
Never stand between a moving vehicle and a fixed structure when guiding plant movements.
Use tag lines to control load rotation and prevent swinging during all lifting operations.
Brief the crane operator and all ground personnel on the lift plan before the operation begins.
Stop the operation immediately if communication is lost or signals are unclear.
Remember
Banksmen and slingers must hold current competency certification before carrying out these duties.
Standard hand signals must be agreed and understood by all parties before operations begin.
Never position yourself between moving plant and a fixed object under any circumstances.
Every sling and lifting accessory must be inspected before use and have a valid examination certificate.
If you lose sight of the operator or signals become unclear, stop the operation immediately.
Incorrect slinging is one of the most common causes of dropped loads on UK construction sites.
Applicable Legislation: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) · BS 7121 (Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes) · CDM Regulations 2015