Site transport: why it matters
Being struck by a moving vehicle or plant is one of the biggest causes of death on construction sites. Most of these incidents happen during reversing or where people and vehicles share the same space.
The core control is separating people from vehicles. Where they must share space, the site uses traffic routes, banksmen, reversing aids and exclusion zones to keep workers out of harm.
Site transport revision notes
Site transport questions reward one rule: keep people and vehicles apart, and control the moments they must mix. Learn why reversing is the biggest danger, and what a banksman and exclusion zones do, from the notes below.
Keep people and vehicles apart
The best control is segregation: separate routes, barriers and crossing points so pedestrians and vehicles rarely meet. Where they must mix, extra controls are needed.
Reversing is the danger
Many fatalities happen during reversing. Avoid it with one-way systems and drive-through layouts. Where reversing is unavoidable, use a trained banksman or signaller.
Blind spots
Large plant has big blind spots, especially behind. Never walk or stand where the operator cannot see you, and never assume the driver has spotted you.
Make eye contact
Before going near working plant, get the operator attention and make eye contact. If you cannot see the driver, the driver cannot see you.
Exclusion zones for plant
Keep clear of the slewing area of excavators and the working zone of plant. Barriers and exclusion zones stop people straying into the danger area.
Right people, right place
Only trained, authorised operators drive plant, and passengers ride only where a vehicle is designed to carry them. Hi-vis helps drivers see you.
Hear a question in Polish
These questions turn on specifics, when a banksman is needed, or why a blind spot is so dangerous. Press Play in Polish below to hear a real question read aloud alongside the English.
What is the safest way to get into or out of a high vehicle?
Jump out quickly
Climb using a ladder
Use the provided steps or handrails
Ask for assistance
Every wrong answer can also come with an AI explanation that points to the specific rule behind the correct answer, so you learn from each mistake instead of just memorising. Native Polish audio and AI explanations are two things you will not find on other CSCS practice sites.
Site transport quiz, five questions
Five site transport questions in the real CITB format. Watch for the ones on reversing, blind spots and making eye contact with the operator, where people slip up. Answer each one and it is marked straight away, with the reason it is right.
0 of 5 answered
Score: 0 / 5
Q1. What is the main purpose of a banksman on a construction site?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. To signal and guide vehicle movements
A banksman is responsible for signaling and guiding vehicle movements to ensure safety.
Q2. When should a driver use a reversing alarm on site vehicles?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. Whenever reversing, unless a banksman is present
Reversing alarms should be used whenever reversing to alert nearby workers unless a banksman is present.
Q3. What should be done if site transport routes are poorly lit?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. Report the issue and use temporary lighting
Poorly lit areas should be reported and addressed with temporary lighting for safety.
Q4. Why is it important to have designated pedestrian routes on a construction site?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: C. To prevent pedestrian and vehicle collisions
Designated pedestrian routes help to separate people from vehicles, reducing the risk of collisions.
Q5. What is a common risk associated with operating plant machinery on uneven ground?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: C. Risk of machinery toppling over
Operating plant machinery on uneven ground can lead to instability and increase the risk of toppling.
Answer all five to see how you did on site transport
The real CITB test is 50 questions in 45 minutes, with a 45 out of 50 pass mark. Our free mock test uses the same format and needs no account.
Common mistakes
These site transport habits are how people are struck and crushed, not just how marks are lost. Unlearn them before the test and before you next cross a live site.
Mistake 1: “It is fine to walk behind a reversing vehicle.”
Correct: Behind is the worst blind spot, and reversing is when most people are struck. Stay well clear, use designated routes, and let a banksman control the movement.
Mistake 2: “The driver has obviously seen me.”
Correct: Never assume. Large plant has wide blind spots and the operator may be focused elsewhere. Make eye contact before you approach, and keep out of the working zone.
Mistake 3: “I can ride on the back of that dumper.”
Correct: Only ride where a vehicle has a proper seat for a passenger. Riding on plant not designed to carry people causes serious crush and fall injuries.
Related CSCS topics
Moving vehicles and plant link site transport to the other struck-by topics. These related areas complete the picture: