what is a traffic marshall?
A traffic marshall is an expert in controlling vehicle movements in a work area. You create roadways throughout the site and mark the exit and entry points to ensure seamless workflow. You also make sure people crossing the pathways are safe, and vehicles aren't stuck in a queue waiting to park or exit the premises. Your work setting varies depending on the industry. For instance, if you work in the retail sector, you direct vehicles in and out of the premises and ensure a steady traffic flow.
Some traffic marshalls also work in construction sites, loading and offloading areas or factories. Your responsibility is to direct truck drivers around the sites safely. You will use banksman signals to guide heavy vehicles through risk areas when their view is obscured. Workers in the construction sites rely on your direction to prevent accidents and reduce delays due to vehicle traffic.
Most employers conduct risk assessments that help traffic marshalls design roadways that minimise obstructions on vehicles' paths. When directing the vehicles, you need to keep a safe distance and maintain awareness of your surroundings to avoid putting people in harm's way.
Would working as a traffic marshall suit your expertise in hand signal and organisation skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a traffic marshall role.
average salary of a traffic marshall
According to ONS, the average salary of a traffic marshall is £24,910 annually, which translates to £12.77 per hour. Entry-level positions attract a salary of £23,278 per year, but experienced traffic marshalls earn more than £29,250 annually. Working extra hours usually attracts higher hourly rates and can increase your take-home salary. You will also receive medical allowances, bonuses and other perks from your employer that improve your compensation package.
what factors affect your salary as a traffic marshall?
Your work experience and hands-on skills significantly impact your pay structure. For instance, someone with five years of experience in a similar role earns more than entry-level workers. While educational qualifications aren't a requirement for the role, having formal training can boost your compensation package. If you have completed short courses that improve your skill, the employer will increase your salary. The industry sector also determines the job's complexity, influencing your earnings. For instance, working in construction sites and shipping docks may require additional skills like hand signals and risk analysis. Therefore, your salary reflects the scope of your role. If the employer wants you to assist in other duties like loading and offloading, they may offer a higher salary for the added roles.
types of traffic marshalls
Some types of traffic marshalls include:
- site access traffic marshall: your job is to coordinate the movement of vehicles on the site. You also ensure drivers of heavy vehicles don't hit public property or damage other people's cars when turning or reversing. You are usually stationed at the entrance to ensure vehicles enter and leave safely.
- cpcs traffic marshall: your role is to direct heavy plant machinery within a construction site or factory for a smooth traffic flow. You help drivers turn and reverse without causing accidents at the workplace. A CPCS traffic marshall must complete the Construction Plant Competence Scheme training to carry out their duties.
working as a traffic marshall
A traffic marshal job involves working in construction sites to ensure the safe movement of vehicles and minimising snarl-ups. Read on to find out the day-to-day activities of a traffic marshall and their work schedule.
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traffic marshall job description
Specific duties and responsibilities depend on the employer, but some of the standard roles include:
- maintaining site security: as a traffic marshall, you are responsible for the security and safety of visitors and workers on the site. That means you have to guide pedestrians out of harm's way when heavy vehicles turn. Some traffic marshalls create dedicated pathways for workers and visitors away from heavy vehicles and machinery to ensure safety.
- controlling vehicle movement: heavy trucks and cranes can cause accidents and property damage if they move without navigation assistance from a traffic marshall. Your job is to guide them around the facility without causing damage or accidents. It is crucial to conduct a site risk assessment and determine blind spots. You should also ensure the vehicle paths are clear of obstructions and clutter. As a traffic marshall, you use communication tools and hand signals to communicate with drivers. Hence, you need expertise in hand signals and ensure the communication devices are in good condition.
- facilitating traffic during events: a traffic marshall doesn't work in construction sites only; some work in park garages and event venues with valet parking. During events, traffic snarl-ups can cause unnecessary delays for guests. As a traffic marshall, you create clear routes for entrance and exit to ease movement in and out of the venue. You also ensure the vehicles exiting the venue don't cause traffic on the road.
- ensuring pedestrian safety: whether you are working at a construction site or event venue, you need to maintain the safety of road users, especially pedestrians. Your vehicle pathways shouldn't pose a danger to pedestrians on the road.
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work environment
The work settings of a traffic marshall depend on the employer and industry sector. For instance, if you are on a construction site, you spend most of the day outdoors directing vehicles and designing pathways. Sometimes, you also assist with crane operations or offloading trucks. Construction sites are noisy and dusty work environments that require specialised personal protective equipment. You also need communication devices like radios to relay information to other workers. You have to work in all weather conditions in warehouses, but the noise and dust levels are reduced. As a traffic marshall, you should wear a high-visibility jacket in a bright colour that drivers can see from a distance.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether your work in the construction or retail sector, your colleagues are likely to include crane operators, signallers and warehouse workers. You may also be working in close proximity to site managers, warehouse managers and other specialists that could include traffic controllers, vehicle technicians, construction managers and gateman post.
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work schedule
As a traffic marshall, you can work full-time, part-time or short-term contracts. When you work full-time, your schedule covers 40 hours a week. Sometimes, you have to work unsocial hours like early mornings and evenings, depending on the delivery schedules of the trucks. Some companies have shift schedules to ensure a traffic marshall is on-site to handle night deliveries. Working on weekends and public holidays is common, especially in parking facilities.
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job outlook
When you are a traffic marshall, you play a vital role in ensuring safety on a worksite. Construction companies always need traffic marshalls to assess risks and prevent accidents and property damage caused by heavy vehicles. As a traffic marshall, you can specialise in the heavy vehicle traffic marshall role or explore opportunities in the retail and event sectors. You can progress to a traffic controller role or become a site manager at the construction site. Alternatively, move to public service roles like becoming traffic police or a road safety expert.
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advantages of finding a traffic marshall job through randstad
Finding your traffic marshall job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a traffic marshall is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
You can become a traffic marshall by completing a specialist course or an apprenticeship programme. The experience you gain at work is also important in improving your career prospects in the field.
- college course: kick-start your career as a traffic marshall with a certificate or diploma in any relevant course. For instance, you can get a certificate in plant operative. While academic qualification isn't compulsory, it prepares you for site work. You should also get short courses on traffic marshall, where you learn to use hand signals.
- apprenticeship: if you have 5 GCSEs with maths, science and design subjects, consider an advanced level or intermediate apprenticeship with a construction company. The apprenticeships are open to anyone above 16 years, and they give you relevant work experience and course work. You can explore additional training to become a traffic marshall when you are an apprentice.
skills and competencies
A traffic marshall requires the following skills:
- awareness of surroundings: as a traffic marshall, you need to be alert and aware of your surroundings. You should be on high alert when vehicles are turning to prevent emergencies. When maintaining the traffic, pay attention to the entrance and ensure vehicles don't block exit pathways. Maintaining awareness of your surroundings helps you notice unusual activities when a vehicle turns or situations that can lead to traffic congestion.
- hand signal communication: hand signals are crucial for a traffic marshall. They help you communicate with drivers in noisy environments.
- physical fitness: as a traffic marshall, you spend most of the day on your feet. That means you need to be physically fit to stand for long hours.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a traffic marshall
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what is a traffic marshall?
A traffic marshall controls vehicle traffic on a works site and frees up congestion in events.
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what is the role of a traffic marshall?
The duties of traffic marshalls include improving site security and directing vehicles to designated parking areas to minimise congestions. They also assess risks on a construction site and develop strategies to improve vehicle movements without compromising safety.
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how much does a traffic marshall get paid in the UK?
In the UK, a traffic marshall earns an average salary of £24,910 per year. With experience, the earnings increase to £29,250.
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what is the difference between a traffic marshall and a banksman?
A banksman directs the movement of heavy trucks and crane lifts. A traffic marshall performs a similar role as a banksman, but they complete specialised training and implement traffic systems.
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how do I apply for a traffic marshall vacancy?
Applying for a traffic marshall job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
