Traffic Marshal – Construction Site Safety

Construction sites are busy, noisy, and constantly changing — and vehicle movements remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal incidents.

A Traffic Marshal (also known as a Banksman) plays a vital role in keeping pedestrians and plant safely separated, guiding vehicles clearly, and preventing avoidable collisions and reversing incidents.

This course provides clear, practical awareness training for those involved in controlling or supporting vehicle movements on construction sites. It explains:

• Why transport incidents happen

• How blind spots and reversing risks lead to serious harm

• Safe positioning principles

• Clear communication and signalling basics

• The importance of planned traffic routes and separation

This course is designed around UK construction site environments and supports safer working practices aligned with employer responsibilities to control site transport risks.

Important:
This is an awareness-level course. It does not replace site-specific induction, practical training, or employer competency assessments where required.

Module 1: Traffic Marshal Principles – Controlling Risk and Saving Lives

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Explain the role and responsibilities of a Traffic Marshal (Banksman)
• Identify the main causes of vehicle-related accidents on construction sites
• Recognise hazards such as driver blind spots and reversing risks
• Understand the importance of safe pedestrian and vehicle segregation
• Apply the hierarchy of control in workplace transport safety
• Explain how Traffic Marshals contribute to preventing serious accidents and fatalities

Module 2: Statutory Frameworks and Legal Responsibilities for Vehicle Marshalling

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Identify key UK legislation governing workplace transport safety
• Understand the legal responsibilities of employers, site managers and Traffic Marshals
• Recognise the role of traffic management plans in reducing risk
• Apply safe working practices in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Identify the consequences of poor safety planning and lack of competence
• Understand the importance of compliance with workplace transport regulations

Module 3: Site Traffic Hazards and Risk Management

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Identify common traffic hazards present on construction sites
• Recognise risks associated with reversing vehicles and limited visibility
• Understand hazards related to heavy plant machinery such as excavators and forklifts
• Identify environmental hazards including uneven ground and adverse weather
• Recognise risks to nearby structures and underground services
• Apply hazard awareness principles to reduce site traffic risks

Module 4: Traffic Management Plans and Site Design Control

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Understand the purpose of Traffic Management Plans (TMPs)
• Identify vehicle routes, pedestrian pathways and entry/exit points on site
• Explain the hierarchy of control for traffic management
• Recognise the role of barriers, bollards and signage in site safety
• Understand how structured site design reduces collision risk
• Apply traffic management principles to improve workplace safety

Module 5: Communication, Signalling and Safe Marshalling Procedures

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Identify and use standard hand signals for vehicle marshalling
• Understand the importance of clear communication with drivers
• Maintain correct positioning and eye contact during vehicle guidance
• Apply alternative communication methods such as radios and whistles
• Recognise the rule that drivers must stop if the marshal is not visible
• Apply the “Stop, Brake, Check” procedure during reversing operations

Module 6: Safe Positioning and Precision Marshalling Techniques

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Maintain safe positioning while guiding vehicles
• Ensure visibility between the marshal and driver at all times
• Avoid blind spots and maintain a safe working distance from vehicles
• Keep escape routes clear during vehicle movement operations
• Recognise high-risk manoeuvres such as reversing and tight turns
• Exercise stop-work authority if conditions become unsafe

Module 7: PPE Requirements and Safe Vehicle & Plant Operations

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Identify required personal protective equipment for Traffic Marshals
• Understand the importance of high-visibility clothing compliant with EN ISO 20471
• Recognise risks associated with heavy plant and vehicle operations
• Apply control measures such as mirrors, alarms and vehicle checks
• Secure stationary vehicles safely using appropriate control measures
• Reinforce the importance of safe systems of work alongside PPE

Module 8: Safe Reversing Operations and PPE Maintenance

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Understand why reversing operations are high-risk activities
• Apply safe systems of work for controlling reversing vehicles
• Identify reversing safety equipment such as alarms and cameras
• Maintain effective use of high-visibility clothing and PPE
• Conduct basic safety checks on communication equipment and vehicles
• Apply safe reversing practices to reduce collision risks

Module 9: Emergency Procedures and Incident Response

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Identify the correct response during workplace emergencies
• Stop vehicle movements and secure the incident area safely
• Raise alarms and assist injured persons where appropriate
• Maintain safe access routes for emergency services
• Control traffic during emergency situations
• Follow proper reporting procedures for incidents and near-misses