Traffic Marshal is an important member in several sectors because he or she is responsible for traffic control in areas with large and construction vehicles among others.
Their main duty is traffic regulation, protection of pedestrians and avoidance of traffic mishaps. With special reference to the construction site, this article looks at what traffic marshals are, what they do, who is eligible to be one, and why traffic control is very crucial in such places with a lot of vehicular movements.
What is a Traffic Marshal?
A Traffic Marshal, or Banksman, is an experienced individual whose job is to control traffic,especially in construction sites, loading zones and any other area where congestion is expected.
This way…they prevent their vehicles from causing accidents with pedestrians, equipment or workers as they move within the premises. Traffic marshals are employed in construction sites and other logistic areas as well as at events.
2. Responsibilities of a Traffic Marshal
The traffic marshals perform several tasks in order to minimize risk to workers, guests, and the community. Below are their key responsibilities:
Directing Vehicle Movement
It entails directing mainly transport equipment that is large such that one cannot see around it from one point to the other.
They use sign language and communication aids in order to inform drivers of their presence and environment, and to be able to maneuver.
Ensuring Pedestrian Safety
Towns can become very busy especially during construction sites or during many events that require large vehicle accessibility.
Traffic marshals direct pedestrians to avoid any side or cross the road when the car is moving, when there is an empty part of the road.
Risk Assessment
Those employed in traffic marshaling roles are supposed to evaluate the scenario before any movement of the vehicles.
They assess risks including provision of a list of escape routes, detecting risks which may include having a low clearance width, blind junctions, or any objects that may hinder safe movement.
Maintaining Traffic Flow
At work zones where more than two cars have to enter or exit like construction sites, traffic marshals coordinate the traffic to avoid traffic build up.
They shall ensure that movements of vehicles in these areas are done effectively without any collision.
Monitoring Loading and Unloading Operations
At such places as the warehouse and construction, traffic marshals are usually responsible for managing traffic when vehicles are being loaded or unloaded. They ensure that the site meets the required safety standards; all movements are done in the right manner.
Reporting and Documentation
Sometimes traffic marshals might be instructed to offer an account of any accidents or observe unsafe behaviors to site managers of supervisors. They capture their operations and maintain records of traffic flow, occurrence, and control.
Qualifications and Skills of a Traffic Marshal
There are qualities and requirements that are required for a single to qualify as a suitable traffic marshal. Below are the key qualifications and attributes:
Certification and Training
To become a traffic marshal, a person has to undertake written training to be accredited. For instance, in the UK, a person has to undergo the Traffic Marshal (Banksman) Training Course allowing him or her to get essential knowledge concerning the safety rules and regulations, the way vehicles maneuver, and communication.
Communication Skills
The traffic marshals must be fluent in communication: Fluent communication is very important among traffic marshals.
They have the ability to communicate with the drivers, workers and pedestrians using sign language hand signals and through communication gadgets such as radios.
Awareness and Vigilance
Traffic marshals have to constantly observe their environments, be active and very sensitive to what is happening around them.
They need to be prepared to trace risks, for example motioning cars, and they have to be able to react immediately to avoid emergencies.
Physical Fitness
It demands stamina because traffic marshals are assigned to work outdoors for many hours and sometimes they work in bad weather.
Physical fitness also helps to stay awake and be active during the performance of the job.
Problem-Solving Skills
Consequently, traffic marshals must be able to make decisions rapidly to fulfill duties that may present themselves on site such as traffic jams or equipment breakdowns.
4. Importance of a Traffic Marshal in Construction and Events
These traffic marshals are extremely useful in sites where there is heavy traffic or movement of cars, lorries or trucks among other forms of transport. Here’s why they are essential:
Prevention of Accidents
According to the principal roles, and as mentioned above, traffic marshals are mainly expected to perform the following duties:
By their way of leading vehicles while observing pedestrians, they reduce the likelihood of accidents or even incidents.
Compliance with Safety Regulations
Permissions to work on construction sites, as well as at events are rigorously controlled due to safety concerns. These regulations are enforced by traffic marshals through traffic control measures and general safety of everyone on the road.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
In this case, traffic marshals are known to control traffic and guarantee the best time for the movement of vehicles hence improving the operations.
They reduce time that is wasted by congestion of vehicles and also reduce the vulnerability in instances of accidents or other unsafe situations.
Reducing Liability
Havoc on construction sites lead to serious legal action besides, causing expensive liabilities. That way companies will safeguard themselves from liabilities in the event of an accident, since traffic marshals ensure safety.
Common Tools and Equipment Used by Traffic Marshals
To carry out their duties effectively, traffic marshals use various tools and equipment, including:
High-Visibility Clothing
Traffic marshals exercise exposure and put on bright-coloured jacket or vest so that drivers and other people on the road can see them especially at night.
Handheld Stop/Go Signs
These include the STOP/GO signs, which impound vehicular traffic in such a manner that traffic marshals can direct or stop the drivers in cases of emergent nature.
Two-Way Radios
Since communication on busy sites is paramount, traffic marshals rely on two-way radios to communicate with drivers or other team members.
Safety Barriers and Cones
Safety barriers and cones refer to equipment that traffic marshals use to prevent passage through the areas where vehicle is prohibited or to predetermine the zones where pedestrians are safe from traffic dangers.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Apart from this, traffic marshals wear other PPE’s like helmets, gloves, and safety boots in some threatening traffic congestion environments.
Challenges Faced by Traffic Marshals
Like any other profession, traffic marshals also encounter several problems at the workplace. Understanding these challenges highlights the demanding nature of their role:
Weather Conditions
Traffic marshals spend most of their time outside, and this makes them vulnerable to unfavorable weather conditions such as rain, hot and cold weather. Such conditions can cause the job to be physically challenging.
High-Pressure Situations
Traffic marshals in construction zones with much traffic from vehicles require adequate pressure when at work to avoid traffic mishaps.
Frequently, operating under high pressure is unavoidable; therefore, decision-making must be done quickly.
Communication Barriers
Now and then, the traffic marshals may find it difficult to communicate with escaping drivers or workers due to dialect issues.
Doubling up on direction makes a big difference in the workplace so that safety will prevail at all times.
How to Become a Traffic Marshal
If you’re considering a career as a traffic marshal, follow these steps:
Complete Traffic Marshal Training
Read more from a Traffic Marshal (Banksman) training program that includes such areas as safety provisions, signaling methods, and hazards.
Obtain Certification
At the end of the training, he or she is issued with a certificate which allows him or her to work as a traffic marshal. It is important to note that the certification standards may differ by country or by state.
Apply for Jobs
After getting certification, you can contact construction companies, event management companies or logistic companies that require traffic marshals.
Gain Experience
Just like in every other career, experience is very important. The situation that may be encountered on different sites will make you more suited for practical experience as well as make you prepare yourself to face some real-world challenges better.
Conclusion
The control of serious traffic accidents which are prevalent in most construction sites, event venues and other areas requires traffic marshals.
Averting accidents and enhancing efficient operation of the vehicles as well as welfare of the pedestrians is enhanced by their function in controlling traffic movement, safety of pedestrians and compliance with safety standards.
For those who seek the profession which unites safety-management and practical work, traffic marshal might be an interesting and advantageous decision.
