Product Overview

Summary: This Bricklaying Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step method for carrying out bricklaying tasks safely, efficiently and in line with Australian WHS requirements. It helps construction businesses control common bricklaying hazards such as manual handling, working at height and silica dust, while maintaining quality workmanship and productivity on site.

Bricklaying is a core trade on Australian construction sites, but it also presents a combination of high‑risk activities: repetitive manual handling of heavy materials, exposure to silica dust from cutting bricks and mortar, frequent work at height on scaffolds, and the constant movement of people and plant in confined work areas. Without a structured procedure, bricklaying tasks are often carried out based on habit or individual preference, which can lead to inconsistent safety practices, variable quality and increased risk of injury or non‑compliance with WHS legislation.

This Bricklaying Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, repeatable method for planning and executing bricklaying work from pre‑start through to clean‑up. It covers site and scaffold setup, material handling, mortar mixing and application, safe use of brick saws and hand tools, work positioning, housekeeping and coordination with other trades. The SOP helps businesses demonstrate due diligence, supports training of apprentices and new workers, and aligns bricklaying activities with Australian Standards and Safe Work Australia guidance. By implementing this document, organisations can reduce musculoskeletal injuries, control dust exposure, avoid scaffold and falling object incidents, and deliver consistent, high‑quality brickwork across projects.

Key Benefits

• Ensure bricklaying activities are carried out in accordance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice.
• Reduce manual handling and musculoskeletal injuries through structured lifting, handling and task rotation controls.
• Control exposure to respirable crystalline silica and other airborne contaminants from cutting and mixing activities.
• Standardise bricklaying methods across crews to improve quality, productivity and training outcomes.
• Minimise the risk of falls, falling objects and site congestion through clear scaffold, access and housekeeping requirements.

Who is this for?

• Bricklayers
• Leading Hands and Bricklaying Supervisors
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Apprentice Bricklayers
• Small Building and Renovation Contractors

Hazards Addressed

• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive lifting and handling of bricks, blocks and mortar
• Falls from height when working on scaffolds, trestles or incomplete structures
• Falling objects from elevated work platforms and scaffold decks
• Exposure to respirable crystalline silica from cutting bricks and mixing mortar
• Cuts and lacerations from brick saws, bolster chisels and other sharp tools
• Eye injuries from flying debris and splashes of mortar
• Slips, trips and falls due to poor housekeeping, offcuts and uneven work surfaces
• Noise exposure from powered brick saws and other plant
• Contact with moving plant such as forklifts, telehandlers and skid steers delivering materials
• Skin irritation or chemical burns from cement‑based products and additives

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Bricklayers, Apprentices)
• 5.0 Required Competencies, Licences and Training
• 6.0 Tools, Plant, Materials and PPE Requirements
• 7.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Assessment Checklist
• 8.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Bricklaying Tasks
• 9.0 Scaffold, Trestle and Work Platform Setup and Verification
• 10.0 Manual Handling and Material Handling Controls
• 11.0 Safe Use of Brick Saws and Cutting Equipment
• 12.0 Mortar Mixing and Handling Procedure
• 13.0 Step‑by‑Step Bricklaying Operating Procedure
• 14.0 Dust, Silica and Noise Control Measures
• 15.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Site Access Control
• 16.0 Working Around Mobile Plant and Other Trades
• 17.0 PPE Selection, Use, Maintenance and Replacement
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
• 19.0 Environmental Considerations (run‑off, waste mortar, noise)
• 20.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Review of Bricklaying Activities
• 21.0 Recordkeeping, Sign‑off and Review Log

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Guidance: Working with Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction and Related Industries
• AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding (series)
• AS/NZS 1891: Industrial fall‑arrest systems and devices (series)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves (series)