Product Overview

Summary: This Safety in Masonry Worksites Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical controls for managing the unique risks of bricklaying, blockwork and stonework on Australian construction sites. It helps masonry contractors and builders meet their WHS obligations while protecting workers from common hazards such as falling objects, silica dust, manual handling injuries and unstable structures.

Masonry worksites present a complex mix of hazards: working with heavy bricks and blocks, cutting masonry materials that generate respirable crystalline silica, operating scaffolds, and handling cement-based products in often fast-paced and congested environments. Without a structured approach, it is easy for safety standards to slip, exposing workers to serious injuries such as crush injuries, overexertion, eye and respiratory damage, and falls from height. This Safety in Masonry Worksites SOP provides a clear framework for planning, setting up, operating and demobilising masonry areas on residential, commercial and civil construction projects across Australia.

The procedure translates Australian WHS requirements into practical, site-ready instructions that supervisors and trades can actually follow. It covers everything from pre-start inspections, safe material delivery and storage, scaffold interface, cutting and mixing controls, to housekeeping and end-of-day shutdown. By implementing this SOP, businesses can standardise safe work practices across crews and projects, demonstrate due diligence to regulators and clients, and significantly reduce the likelihood of incidents, rework and costly delays linked to poor site safety management in masonry operations.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, best-practice safety standards across all masonry worksites, regardless of crew or project location.
• Reduce the risk of injuries from manual handling, falling objects and unstable masonry walls through clear control measures.
• Minimise worker exposure to silica dust and cement-related health risks with defined engineering, administrative and PPE controls.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice, strengthening your legal defensibility.
• Streamline induction and training for bricklayers, labourers and apprentices with a single, easy-to-follow reference document.

Who is this for?

• Masonry Contractors
• Bricklayers and Blocklayers
• Stonemasons
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Principal Contractors
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Apprentice Coordinators
• Small Construction Business Owners

Hazards Addressed

• Manual handling injuries from lifting and carrying bricks, blocks, lintels and bags of cement
• Crush and impact injuries from collapsing or unstable masonry walls and stacked materials
• Falling objects from scaffolds, work platforms and partially constructed walls
• Falls from height when working on scaffolds, trestles, elevated platforms or incomplete structures
• Respirable crystalline silica exposure from cutting, grinding and chasing masonry products
• Cement burns and skin/eye irritation from wet mortar, grout and additives
• Noise exposure from power saws, grinders and impact tools
• Trips and slips due to poor housekeeping, offcuts, slurry and uneven surfaces
• Plant and vehicle interaction with forklifts, telehandlers and delivery vehicles in masonry zones
• Electrical hazards from using power tools, extension leads and water near cutting operations
• Weather-related risks such as wind loading on incomplete walls and heat stress for workers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Applicable Legislation
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Workers, Subcontractors)
• 4.0 Planning Masonry Works and Pre-Start Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Site Set-Up for Masonry Work (Access, Exclusion Zones and Signage)
• 6.0 Material Delivery, Handling and Storage of Bricks, Blocks and Mortar Components
• 7.0 Safe Use of Scaffolds, Trestles and Work Platforms in Masonry Areas
• 8.0 Control of Falling Objects and Unstable Masonry Walls
• 9.0 Silica Dust Management for Cutting, Grinding and Chasing Masonry
• 10.0 Cement and Chemical Handling, Mixing and PPE Requirements
• 11.0 Manual Handling and Use of Mechanical Aids
• 12.0 Use of Power Tools and Electrical Safety in Masonry Workzones
• 13.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Slurry Control
• 14.0 Environmental and Weather Considerations (Wind, Heat, Rain)
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response for Masonry Worksites
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Toolbox Talks for Masonry Crews
• 17.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Review of Masonry Worksite Safety
• 18.0 Document Control, Records and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• 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 – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace (principles applicable to masonry tasks)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding series
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing