Bricklaying and Blockwork — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for bricklaying and concrete masonry unit (CMU) blockwork construction including mortar mixing, block handling, scaffold use, and associated silica dust management, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.
Download this template
Bricklaying and blockwork is foundational to Australian residential and commercial construction, and the associated hazard profile spans falls from scaffolding, manual handling injuries, and respirable crystalline silica exposure from cutting and grinding masonry products. Where bricklaying is performed from scaffolding that presents a fall risk exceeding 2 metres, the work is classified as HRCW under Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations, requiring a SWMS to be prepared and followed.
Bricklayers and blocklayers in Australia are required to hold a trade qualification — typically a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC30220) — though this is a qualification rather than a WHS licence. Where scaffolding is required to support the work, a licensed scaffolder must erect and inspect the scaffold. The scaffold must comply with the model WHS Regulations and the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Scaffolding. Working platforms must be at least 450 mm wide (900 mm for bricklayers per AS 1576.1) and equipped with guardrails and toe boards.
Silica exposure from dry cutting bricks, pavers, and blocks with angle grinders is a high-risk task that must be controlled using wet suppression or on-tool H-class vacuum extraction. Mortar mixing from dry cement and sand also generates RCS and fine cement dust. The WES for RCS of 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) applies to all these tasks. Manual handling is the other major risk — a standard clay brick weighs approximately 3.5 kg and a 200 mm concrete block up to 16 kg; repetitive lifting and laying across a full working day creates significant musculoskeletal load. Task rotation and mechanical aids for block delivery to the working platform are standard controls.
To customise this template, record the scaffold type and maximum platform height, the masonry unit types and their silica content, the cutting method and dust control approach, and the mortar mixing method. If cutting is to be performed using angle grinders, confirm that on-tool dust extraction or wet suppression is in place before work starts.
This SWMS is applicable in all Australian states and territories. Victorian users should reference OHS Regulations 2017 and WorkSafe Victoria guidance on masonry work.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work at height involving the risk of falling more than 2 metres
- •Work involving the disturbance of a structure or part of a structure that contains or is likely to contain asbestos
Risk Assessment
1.Mortar mixing and material preparation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica dust inhalation during dry mortar and sand handling | High | Use pre-blended, bagged mortar products in preference to dry-mixing sand and cement where practicable. When dry mixing is required, use a mechanical mixer with a fitted dust suppression system or LEV hood. Dampen dry materials before tipping where the mix design permits. Wear a minimum P2 respirator during all dry material handling and mixing. Keep other workers upwind and outside the dust zone. Do not use compressed air to blow cement dust. Review the SDS for all bagged cement and masonry products. | Moderate | Bricklayer / Safety Officer |
| Chemical burns from cement contact with skin and eyes | Moderate | Wet cement and mortar are caustic (pH 12–13) and will cause cement burns with prolonged skin contact. Wear nitrile or rubber chemical-resistant gloves when handling wet mortar and cement. Wear safety glasses or goggles when mixing or working at face level with wet mortar. Change wet boots and socks if cement enters footwear. If cement contacts skin, wash immediately with large volumes of water. In case of eye contact, flush continuously with clean water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep a clean water supply and eyewash station accessible at the work area. | Low | Bricklayer |
2.Manual handling of bricks and blocks
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal injury from repetitive lifting and carrying | High | Concrete blocks can weigh 8–25 kg each. Use a mechanical pallet jack or forklift to deliver packs of blocks as close as practicable to the work area — no more than 5 metres horizontal travel. Split heavy packs using a crow bar rather than manually unstacking from height. Use a block-splitting machine for block sizing rather than manual hammering. Rotate bricklayers between different tasks every 45 minutes to vary musculoskeletal loading. Use two-person lifts for blocks exceeding 20 kg. Set up work at an ergonomic height — scaffold should position the work face between hip and shoulder height. | Moderate | Bricklayer / Site Supervisor |
| Foot and toe crush injury from dropped blocks or bricks | High | All personnel in the bricklaying work area must wear steel-capped safety boots at all times. Stack bricks and blocks on the scaffold platform no higher than 900 mm and ensure stacks are stable and cannot topple. Keep walkways and scaffold boards clear of loose bricks and mortar. Use brick tongs or a purpose-built brick clamp for carrying multiple bricks. Barricade below scaffold work areas to prevent access by other trades while block work is being carried out. | Low | Bricklayer / Site Supervisor |
3.Scaffold erection and use for elevated bricklaying
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from scaffold platform above 2 metres | Catastrophic | Scaffolding above 4 metres must be erected, altered, and dismantled by a licensed scaffolder. Bricklaying scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before first use and after any modification, significant weather event, or incident. Ensure all platforms are fully planked with no gaps greater than 25 mm, guardrails are fitted at 900 mm and 450 mm, and toe-boards are in place. No overloading of scaffold — maximum rated load must not be exceeded. Bricklayers must not lean beyond the guardrail or stand on guardrails. Barricade the area below scaffold to prevent pedestrian access while work is in progress. | Moderate | Scaffolder / Site Supervisor |
4.Block cutting and saw operations
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica dust inhalation from masonry saw cutting | Catastrophic | Use a masonry bench saw with a continuous water suppression system for all block and brick cutting. Ensure the water flow to the blade is adequate and maintained throughout the cut. Where wet cutting is not available, use a vacuum shroud attached to a HEPA-filtered dust extraction unit. Wear a minimum P2 half-face respirator; a PAPR is recommended for prolonged cutting. Establish a restricted zone around the cutting area and enforce mandatory respiratory protection within it. Never dry-cut masonry materials without dust extraction. | Moderate | Bricklayer / Safety Officer |
5.Wall bracing and curing of completed work
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collapse of newly built masonry wall from wind or inadequate bracing | Catastrophic | Provide temporary bracing to all free-standing masonry walls greater than 1.5 metres in height that have not yet been tied into the structure. Bracing must be designed to withstand the expected wind loading and must remain in place until the mortar has reached sufficient strength (typically 7–14 days depending on conditions) and the wall is permanently supported. Do not remove bracing without approval from the site supervisor or structural engineer. Monitor wind conditions — suspend work when wind speeds exceed safe limits for unbraced wall height. Establish an exclusion zone on both sides of unbraced walls. | Moderate | Site Supervisor / Structural Engineer |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.