Role and Responsibilities of a Banksman
– A professional banksman offshore is called a ‘rigger or deck crew’
– Rigging teams manage lifting operations offshore
– Specific methods, equipment, and safety protocols are used for different types of loads
– Banksman play an important role in the marine and offshore industries
– Banksman is in charge of crane movements during loading and unloading
– Hand signals or radio link are used for communication
– Banksman also directs the movement and loading/unloading of lorries
– Banksman controls the movements of an excavator by monitoring the bucket
– In many countries, banksmen are required to meet regulated safety standards
Historical Evolution of the Banksman Role
– In 1825, a banksman was stationed at the bank or top of a pit to unload laden corves into carts or wagons
– In 1849, a banksman drew full tubs from cages at the surface and replaced them with empty ones
– In 1894, a banksman controlled the unloading and loading of the cage at the pit top
– Banksman also signaled the descent of the workmen
– The role of a banksman evolved over time in the mining industry
Resources for Banksman Information and Safety
– John Scott’s Dictionary of Civil Engineering provides information on banksmen
– The Health and Safety Executive provides information on banksmen and signallers
– The UK Health and Safety Executive reports that over a quarter of vehicle deaths at work are due to reversing vehicles
– RoSPA’s Safety course material is a useful resource for banksman safety
– Durham Mining Museum provides historical information on the use of banksmen in the coal industry
Offshore and Oil and Gas Banksman
– A professional banksman offshore is called a ‘rigger or deck crew’
– Rigging teams manage lifting operations offshore
– Specific methods, equipment, and safety protocols are used for different types of loads
– Banksman play an important role in the marine and offshore industries
– Equipment and materials are transferred by boat using a crane
External Links for Further Information
– RoSPA’s Safety course material
– Health and Safety Executive Banksmans Signals
– Durham Mining Museum’s historic use in the coal industry
– Cornish Tin Mining Terms
– The UK Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksman
In Irish and British civil engineering, a banksman is the person who directs the operation of a crane or larger vehicle from the point near where loads are attached and detached. The term 'dogman' may be used in Australia and New Zealand, while 'spotter' is the more common term in United States.
