Reversing vehicles and plant cause more pedestrian fatalities on UK construction sites than any other type of vehicle movement. Drivers have significant blind spots to the rear, especially in excavators, dumpers, and lorries. Reversing should be eliminated wherever possible through one-way systems and drive-through layouts. Where reversing cannot be avoided, a trained banksman must control the manoeuvre using agreed hand signals while maintaining a safe position outside the vehicle's path.
Key Hazards
Pedestrians struck by reversing vehicles in the driver's blind spot zone
Banksman positioned in the path of the reversing vehicle and struck
Reversing alarms not heard due to background noise or hearing protection
Vehicles reversing without a banksman in areas where pedestrians are present
Control Measures
Eliminate the need for reversing through one-way traffic systems and drive-through arrangements.
Where reversing cannot be avoided, appoint a trained banksman to control every manoeuvre.
Use standard agreed hand signals between the driver and banksman for all reversing operations.
Ensure the banksman maintains a position visible to the driver and clear of the vehicle's path.
Stop the reversing manoeuvre immediately if the banksman loses visual contact with the driver.
Ensure all reversing vehicles have functioning audible alarms and rear-view cameras where fitted.
Brief all pedestrians to keep clear of reversing areas and to watch for banksman signals.
Designate and sign reversing areas clearly to warn pedestrians of the increased hazard.
Review the traffic management plan to minimise reversing requirements whenever the site layout changes.
Remember
Reversing vehicles cause more pedestrian deaths on construction sites than any other movement.
Eliminate reversing wherever possible through one-way systems and drive-through arrangements.
Where reversing is unavoidable, a trained banksman must control every single manoeuvre.
The banksman must be visible to the driver at all times and positioned clear of the vehicle's path.
If visual contact between the driver and banksman is lost, the manoeuvre must stop immediately.
Reversing cameras and alarms supplement but do not replace the need for a competent banksman.
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 · HSG144 (Safe Use of Vehicles) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974