Banksman Course – Certification for Safe Lifting Operations
A banksman course is a legally mandated course for anyone who attaches and detaches loads to cranes or other lifting equipment. Correct slinging is crucial for safety on construction sites, and errors during lifting operations can have serious consequences. With an approved banksman course, you ensure that work is performed safely and in accordance with regulations.
At Komplett HMS, you can take the banksman course online, at your convenience. The course is available in several languages, and you receive a digital course certificate immediately after passing the knowledge test. We offer one of Norway's most affordable banksman courses – without compromising on quality.
Legal Requirements for Banksman Courses
Requirements for banksman training are regulated through several regulations:
- Regulation on the Performance of Work § 10-2: The employer must ensure that employees performing slinging have received adequate training.
- Crane Regulation § 8-1: The person slinging the load must have documented training in safe slinging.
- Working Environment Act § 3-2: The employer is obliged to provide employees with the necessary training to perform work safely.
- Internal Control Regulation § 5: The enterprise must document that employees have the necessary competence for their work tasks.
Consequences of Lacking a Banksman Course
If the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority conducts an inspection and uncovers a lack of documentation for a banksman course, the consequences can be significant:
- Orders and coercive fines: The Labour Inspection Authority can order the enterprise to conduct training and impose coercive fines if the deadline is not met.
- Work stoppage: In cases of serious deficiencies, the Labour Inspection Authority can demand an immediate stop to all lifting operations until documented training is available.
- Insurance problems: If an unfortunate lifting operation leads to injury and the employer lacks documentation of training, insurance coverage may be forfeited.
- Personal injury and liability for damages: Incorrect slinging can cause loads to fall, leading to serious personal injury. The employer can be held liable for damages.
It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that everyone performing slinging has valid and documented training.
What Do You Learn in a Banksman Course?
- Regulations and legal requirements related to lifting operations
- Different types of lifting equipment and slings – correct use and maintenance
- Calculation of load weight and center of gravity
- Assessment of lifting points and slinging methods
- Hand signals and communication with the crane operator
- Inspection and discarding of lifting equipment
- Risk assessment before lifting operations
Who Needs a Banksman Course?
The banksman course is relevant for anyone working with lifting operations on construction sites, in industry, or in warehouses. Typical occupational groups include:
- Carpenters and joiners
- Concrete workers
- Warehouse workers
- Steel fixers and erectors
- Construction machine operators
- Foremen and supervisors on construction sites
Anyone who signals to a crane operator or attaches/detaches loads must have completed a banksman course. Project managers and HSE officers should also have basic knowledge of slinging to fulfill their supervisory responsibilities.
Employer's Responsibility for Banksman Competence
According to the Working Environment Act and the Internal Control Regulation, employers have a clear responsibility to ensure that everyone performing slinging has adequate training. This includes:
- Identifying which employees need banksman training based on their work tasks
- Ensuring that theoretical and practical training is completed before work begins
- Documenting the training as part of the company's internal control system
- Ensuring regular refresher training
- Maintaining an overview of certifications and expiry dates for all employees
A good system for competence management is crucial to avoid costly operational stoppages and potential accidents.
Course Format and Duration
The banksman course at Komplett HMS is 100% online and can be completed anytime, anywhere – including on mobile and tablet. The course takes approximately 3–5 hours to complete, depending on your pace. You get access to the course material immediately after purchase and can take breaks along the way.
The course is available in several languages, making it perfect for multilingual work teams in construction. After passing the knowledge test, you receive a digital course certificate immediately.
Order a Banksman Course
The banksman course from Komplett HMS is among the market's most affordable options for complete banksman training with a course certificate and certification.
When ordering multiple courses for your company, it may be beneficial to look at our other courses in fall protection and lift courses for a complete training package.
Why Choose Komplett HMS?
- Competitive prices – Among Norway's most affordable courses without compromising on quality
- Available in several languages – Perfect for multilingual work teams
- Certificate on the same day – Digital certificate immediately after passing the knowledge test
- 100% online – Take the course whenever and wherever you want, on PC, mobile, or tablet
- 5 out of 5 stars on Google – Norway's highest-rated HSE course provider
Frequently Asked Questions about Banksman Courses
Is an online banksman course approved?
Yes, an online banksman course provides documented training in accordance with the Regulation on the Performance of Work. The course covers the theoretical part of the training. Practical training is carried out at the workplace under the guidance of a competent person.
How long is a banksman course valid?
There is no official expiry date for banksman courses, but the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority recommends regular updating of competence. Many companies choose to renew training every 3–5 years to ensure knowledge is up-to-date.
Do I need both theory and practice?
Yes. Our online course covers the theory. The employer must ensure that the employee also receives practical training at the workplace, preferably with an experienced banksman as a supervisor. See also our article on risk assessment in construction.
Can the entire company take a banksman course together?
Yes, Komplett HMS makes it easy to order courses for multiple employees at once. Each participant gets their own course account and can complete it at their own pace. The course certificates can be collected as documentation in the company's internal control system.
What is the difference between a banksman and a signalman?
A banksman directly attaches and detaches loads, while a signalman communicates with the crane operator using hand signals or radio. Both roles require training, and often the same person performs both tasks. The banksman course covers both.