How to Become a Traffic Marshal — Roles, Responsibilities & Online Certification

Why Traffic Marshals Matter
Reversing dumpers, slewing cranes, articulated lorries hunting for a loading bay—vehicle movement is among the most dangerous moments on any site. The Health & Safety Executive recorded 38 fatal incidents tied to on-site manoeuvres between 2018-2023. A trained Traffic Marshal (Banksman) keeps those movements predictable, visible and safe.

With new logistics hubs, gigafactory builds and mega-housing sites booming, qualified marshals are in short supply. Better still, certification is lightning-fast: train online in an evening and start earning the same week.

1 | What Exactly Does a Traffic Marshal Do?

• Direct HGVs, cranes and forklifts with ATLAS / NPORS hand signals or radio.
• Run a site-specific risk assessment before wheels turn.
• Set exclusion zones, crossings and safe walkways.
• Stop work if weather or visibility shifts.
• Log near-misses and daily checks for audits.

2 | Roles & Responsibilities — A Closer Look

Task	Why It Matters	Typical Tools
Pre-start risk assessment	Spots blind corners before trucks arrive	Site plan, cones, RAMS template
Route clearing & signage	Prevents last-minute evasive manoeuvres	Chapter 8 boards, barriers
Hand-signal guidance	Universal language across nationalities	ATLAS chart, hi-vis gloves
Radio communication	Keeps control when line-of-sight is lost	Two-way handset
Perimeter management	Keeps visitors clear of danger	Pedestrian barriers, warning tape
Incident reporting	RIDDOR compliance drives future prevention	Logbook, digital forms

3 | Essential Skills

• Situational awareness — read traffic flow like chess.
• Clear communication — signals cut through engine roar.
• Authority with diplomacy — stop a rushing driver respectfully.
• Basic literacy — daily checklists and near-miss logs.

4 | Required UK Qualifications

• CSCS Card — Most principal contractors demand it.
    • CSCS Level 1 Course
    • CITB HS&E Test
    • CSCS Green Card Full Package
• Traffic Marshal / Banksman Certificate — Valid three years.
    • Traffic Marshal Online Course (instant PDF certificate & ID card)

5 | Why Choose Online Training?

• Any device – phone, tablet or laptop.
• Self-paced – pause, rewind, resume.
• Instant certification – finish tonight, print tomorrow.
• Zero travel – save fuel, save time.

6 | Career Opportunities & Salary Outlook

• Starter pay: £19,850 pa (Jan 2025).
• Infrastructure night-shifts: £26 k+ with premiums.
• Progression: Logistics Supervisor → CPCS A73 Marshal → H&S via SSSTS ➞ SMSTS.
• Transferable to airports, film sets, events.

7 | Continuing Professional Development

• Fire Marshal
• Manual Handling
• Working at Height
• National Water Hygiene

8 | Why Train with The Builders Academy?

• Fully online, CITB & HSE aligned.
• No hidden fees—certificate & wallet card included.
• Dedicated helpline: phone, email, chat.
• Accepted across construction, civils and logistics.

Get Certified Today, Start Work Tomorrow
Start Traffic Marshal Course   Need a CSCS Card?
☎ 0203 345 6575 | [email protected]

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