Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a structured, WHS-aligned training and induction framework specifically for new bricklayers entering Australian construction sites. It standardises how you introduce workers to site rules, high‑risk construction hazards, safe bricklaying techniques and competency requirements, helping you protect your people and demonstrate due diligence from day one.

New bricklayers often arrive on site with varying levels of experience, exposure to WHS requirements and understanding of your company’s expectations. Without a consistent, documented induction and training process, critical safety messages can be missed, unsafe habits can go unchallenged and supervisors are left exposed if an incident occurs. This Training and Induction for New Bricklayers SOP gives your organisation a clear, repeatable framework for onboarding new bricklayers so they understand the specific risks of bricklaying work, your site rules, and the safe systems of work they are required to follow.

The procedure is tailored to the realities of bricklaying on Australian construction sites, including work at height on scaffolds, handling heavy masonry units, exposure to cement products and coordination with other trades. It outlines how to verify licences and qualifications, deliver task-specific training (such as safe manual handling, mixing mortar, cutting bricks and working on scaffolding), and assess competency before allowing independent work. By implementing this SOP, you reduce the likelihood of early‑tenure injuries, support compliance with WHS legislation and industrial instruments, and create a professional, safety‑focused first impression that helps retain skilled bricklayers.

This document also helps businesses demonstrate that they have an effective induction and training system in place, which is critical during regulator inspections, client audits or incident investigations. It builds a strong link between your WHS management system and day‑to‑day site practice, ensuring that safety expectations are clearly communicated, documented and reinforced from a worker’s first day on site.

Key Benefits

• Ensure every new bricklayer receives a consistent, documented induction aligned with Australian WHS requirements.
• Reduce early‑tenure injuries by systematically addressing high‑risk bricklaying tasks such as manual handling and work at height.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, principal contractors and clients through clear training records and competency assessments.
• Streamline onboarding by providing supervisors with a ready‑to‑use checklist and structure for induction sessions.
• Improve safety culture and retention by setting clear expectations and support for new bricklayers from their first day.

Who is this for?

• Construction Company Owners
• Site Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Bricklaying Team Leaders
• WHS Managers
• Safety Advisors
• HR and Training Coordinators
• Labour Hire Providers
• Apprenticeship Coordinators
• Bricklaying Contractors

Hazards Addressed

• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive and heavy manual handling of bricks, blocks and mortar.
• Falls from height when working on scaffolding, incomplete floors, edges and temporary platforms.
• Trips and slips on uneven ground, debris, offcuts and mortar spills in bricklaying work areas.
• Exposure to cement dust, silica dust and other airborne contaminants from cutting and mixing materials.
• Hand and eye injuries from brick cutting tools, hammers, bolsters and power saws.
• Struck‑by incidents from falling bricks, tools or materials from scaffolds and work platforms.
• Sun exposure, heat stress and dehydration during outdoor bricklaying work.
• Noise exposure from power tools, cutting equipment and nearby plant.
• Interaction with mobile plant such as forklifts, telehandlers and delivery vehicles.
• Psychosocial risks including unclear role expectations, poor communication and inadequate supervision for new workers.

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Site Management, Supervisors, Trainers, New Bricklayers)
• 4.0 Pre‑Induction Requirements (Licences, White Cards, VOCs and Documentation)
• 5.0 Induction Planning and Scheduling
• 6.0 Site and Company Introduction (Policies, Procedures and Expectations)
• 7.0 WHS Overview for Bricklayers (Legislative Duties and Right to Refuse Unsafe Work)
• 8.0 Hazard Identification Specific to Bricklaying Activities
• 9.0 Training Content – Manual Handling and Ergonomics for Bricklaying
• 10.0 Training Content – Working at Height and Scaffolding Safety
• 11.0 Training Content – Safe Use of Tools and Equipment (Hand and Power Tools, Brick Saws, Mixers)
• 12.0 Training Content – Hazardous Substances (Cement, Silica, Additives and SDS Review)
• 13.0 Training Content – Housekeeping, Access and Egress in Bricklaying Work Zones
• 14.0 Training Content – Interaction with Mobile Plant and Other Trades
• 15.0 PPE Requirements for Bricklayers (Selection, Fit, Use and Maintenance)
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting (First Aid, Fire, Evacuation, Near Misses)
• 17.0 Environmental Considerations (Dust, Noise, Waste and Run‑off Management)
• 18.0 Competency Assessment and Verification of Competency (VOC) Process
• 19.0 Supervision and Monitoring of New Bricklayers (Probation and Early‑Tenure Controls)
• 20.0 Refresher Training and Ongoing Development (Apprenticeships, Skills Upgrades)
• 21.0 Documentation, Records and Induction Checklists
• 22.0 Communication, Consultation and Toolbox Talks for Bricklaying Teams
• 23.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Induction Program
• 24.0 References and Related Documents
• 25.0 Appendices (Induction Checklist, Attendance Register, Competency Assessment Forms, Sample Toolbox Talk Topics)

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state and territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and corresponding state and territory 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: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding series
• AS/NZS 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection