Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a safe, consistent method for concreting foundations in bricklaying work on Australian construction sites. It helps bricklaying contractors and builders control key WHS risks, meet compliance obligations, and deliver structurally sound footings and slabs that are ready for brickwork.

Concreting for foundations is a critical stage in bricklaying projects, directly influencing both structural integrity and onsite safety. Poor planning, inadequate formwork, incorrect reinforcement placement or unsafe handling of concrete can lead to structural failure, trips and falls, manual handling injuries, and costly rework. This SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework for preparing, placing, compacting and curing concrete foundations specifically in the context of bricklaying work, from strip footings and piers to slabs and bond beams.

Developed for Australian construction environments, the procedure aligns with WHS obligations and relevant building and concrete standards. It addresses common site issues such as working in excavations, managing plant and concrete pumps, controlling washout and slurry, and ensuring foundations are accurately set out and finished for efficient bricklaying. By standardising how concreting for foundations is planned, supervised and executed, this SOP helps businesses reduce safety incidents, improve quality outcomes, and demonstrate due diligence to clients, principal contractors and regulators.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe preparation, placement and curing of concrete foundations in accordance with Australian WHS and building requirements.
• Reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual handling, slips, trips, falls and working around concrete delivery equipment.
• Improve the structural reliability and accuracy of foundations, minimising rework and defects that delay bricklaying activities.
• Standardise concreting practices across crews and sites, supporting consistent training and competency for bricklayers and labourers.
• Demonstrate due diligence and compliance during audits, client inspections and regulator investigations by having a documented, defensible procedure.

Who is this for?

• Bricklayers
• Bricklaying Contractors
• General Builders
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Apprentice Bricklayers
• Civil and Structural Forepersons
• Small to Medium Building Company Owners

Hazards Addressed

• Manual handling injuries from lifting and placing formwork, reinforcement and tools
• Musculoskeletal strain from screeding, vibrating and finishing concrete
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven ground, wet concrete surfaces and around excavations
• Falls into trenches, footings and excavations during formwork and concreting
• Contact with moving parts of concrete mixers, vibrators and concrete pumps
• Exposure to wet concrete causing skin irritation, chemical burns and dermatitis
• Struck-by incidents involving concrete trucks, loaders, forklifts or pump booms
• Collapse of poorly supported formwork or trench walls
• Noise exposure from concrete vibrators, trucks and site plant
• Environmental contamination from uncontrolled concrete washout and slurry runoff

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Foundations, Footings, Slabs, Piers, Beams)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Bricklayers, Supervisors, Plant Operators, WHS Personnel)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required Competencies, Licences and Training
• 6.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials (Concrete, Reinforcement, Formwork, Vibrators, Pumps)
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre-Start Planning and Risk Assessment (SWMS, JSA, Site Conditions)
• 9.0 Site Preparation and Excavation Interface (Access, Egress, Edge Protection)
• 10.0 Formwork and Reinforcement Installation for Bricklaying Foundations
• 11.0 Concrete Delivery, Pumping and Placement Procedures
• 12.0 Compaction, Screeding, Finishing and Surface Preparation for Brickwork
• 13.0 Curing, Protection of Green Concrete and Load Restrictions
• 14.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures (Manual Handling, Falls, Plant Interaction, Wet Concrete Exposure)
• 15.0 Environmental Controls (Washout Management, Slurry and Runoff Control)
• 16.0 Quality Control and Inspection Checkpoints (Levels, Dimensions, Reinforcement, Finish)
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures (Injuries, Entrapment, Structural or Trench Collapse, Concrete Burns)
• 18.0 Housekeeping and Demobilisation
• 19.0 Documentation, Records and Sign-Off
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS 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 Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• AS 3600: Concrete structures
• AS 2870: Residential slabs and footings
• AS 3700: Masonry structures
• AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding (for access around foundations where relevant)
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS 2210: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection