Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical controls for managing infectious diseases on bricklaying sites, from daily screening and hygiene practices through to isolation and site shutdown decisions. It helps bricklaying contractors and builders meet their WHS obligations, protect workers and subcontractors, and keep projects moving safely during outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza and other communicable illnesses.

Bricklaying sites are dynamic, close-contact work environments where teams often share tools, vehicles and amenities, making them particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, gastroenteritis and respiratory infections. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, bricklaying-specific approach to infection prevention and control, integrating hygiene, distancing, rostering, and cleaning requirements into everyday site operations without unnecessary disruption to productivity.

The document translates public health and WHS expectations into clear, task-focused instructions tailored to bricklayers and their supervisors – from handling deliveries and shared scaffolds to managing crib rooms, hoists and vehicle use. It sets out what to do when a worker becomes unwell or tests positive, how to communicate with crews and subcontractors, and how to document decisions to demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS laws. By adopting this SOP, businesses can reduce the risk of site-wide outbreaks, maintain workforce availability, and provide a safe, compliant work environment that reassures workers, clients and regulators alike.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission among bricklaying crews, subcontractors and visitors.
• Ensure compliance with WHS duties and public health directions applicable to construction sites in Australia.
• Standardise site-level responses to suspected and confirmed infectious disease cases, minimising confusion and downtime.
• Protect business continuity by limiting large-scale absenteeism and unplanned project shutdowns.
• Strengthen worker confidence through clear communication, visible hygiene controls and fair illness management processes.

Who is this for?

• Bricklaying Contractors
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Principal Contractors
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• HR and Site Administration Staff
• Small Business Builders and Tradie Business Owners

Hazards Addressed

• Person-to-person transmission of respiratory diseases (e.g. COVID-19, influenza) via droplets and aerosols
• Surface and tool contamination leading to indirect transmission of infectious agents
• Transmission of gastrointestinal illnesses through poor hand hygiene and shared amenities
• Increased exposure risk in shared vehicles, site sheds, lunchrooms and amenities
• Psychosocial stress and anxiety associated with outbreaks and unclear site procedures
• Non-compliance with public health orders resulting in regulatory action or site closure

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Infectious Disease Types
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Site Supervisor, Workers, Visitors)
• 4.0 Regulatory and Public Health Requirements
• 5.0 Risk Assessment for Infectious Disease on Bricklaying Sites
• 6.0 Hierarchy of Controls for Infectious Disease Management
• 7.0 Site Entry, Screening and Attendance Recording Procedures
• 8.0 Hygiene, Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette Requirements
• 9.0 Cleaning and Disinfection of Tools, Equipment and Shared Surfaces
• 10.0 Management of Shared Vehicles, Plant, Scaffolding and Hoists
• 11.0 Physical Distancing and Work Planning for Bricklaying Tasks
• 12.0 Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Face Masks
• 13.0 Management of Symptomatic Workers and Suspected Cases
• 14.0 Response to Confirmed Cases and Contact Tracing Support
• 15.0 Isolation, Quarantine and Return-to-Work Procedures
• 16.0 Management of Amenities, Crib Rooms and Change Areas
• 17.0 Deliveries, Visitors and Subcontractor Coordination
• 18.0 Communication, Consultation and Worker Training
• 19.0 Psychosocial Risk Management During Outbreaks
• 20.0 Record Keeping, Privacy and Documentation Requirements
• 21.0 Emergency and Escalation Procedures (Including Site Shutdown)
• 22.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Controls
• 23.0 References, Supporting Documents and Forms/Templates

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Guidance: COVID-19 Information for Workplaces (Construction)
• National Construction Code (NCC) – provisions related to site amenities and facilities
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still referenced in many systems)
• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• State and Territory Chief Health Officer public health directions for construction and building sites