COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Safe Working Practices in Bricklaying Worksites course. This training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify, manage, and control risks commonly encountered on bricklaying sites, ensuring compliance with WHS legislation and promoting a safe, efficient working environment for all.
This course begins by introducing the importance of safety in bricklaying, the legal obligations for both employers and workers, and the critical role safety plays in preventing injuries and ensuring everyone returns home safely each day.
A solid understanding of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) framework is essential to working lawfully and responsibly. This section explains how the WHS Act and Regulations apply to construction works, with a focus on Codes of Practice relevant to bricklaying and the role played by Safe Work Australia and individual state-based safety regulators in setting and enforcing standards.
Before any work begins, site induction is mandatory. This section outlines the typical pre-start requirements for bricklaying sites, including attendance at safety inductions, signing in, receiving a PPE briefing, and participating in toolbox talks and pre-start risk assessments to identify hazards for the day ahead.
Bricklaying work presents various risks that must be identified early. This section explores common hazards including manual handling injuries, repetitive strain, cuts and crush injuries, trip hazards, and site congestion, all of which require proactive control measures to reduce the likelihood of harm.
Wearing the right PPE can make a significant difference to a worker’s safety. This section outlines the essential PPE for bricklaying tasks—such as gloves, eye protection, hard hats, and respiratory gear—while also addressing proper maintenance, fit, storage, and the limitations of each protective item.
Manual handling is a daily part of bricklaying. This section addresses the risks associated with lifting, carrying, and placing heavy materials and provides instruction on safe lifting techniques, the use of mechanical aids like trolleys, and how to prevent musculoskeletal injuries through teamwork and ergonomics.
Working at heights poses serious risks if not managed properly. This section discusses safe ladder usage, the setup and use of scaffolding or elevated platforms, and the need for edge protection and fall arrest systems to comply with WHS regulations during height-related masonry work.
Safe access to scaffolds is crucial to site safety. This section explains scaffold tagging systems, inspection procedures, and how to maintain stability and clear working platforms for bricklayers to operate safely and efficiently above ground level.
All tools and equipment must be used with care. This section highlights correct usage of hand tools and power tools used in bricklaying, including safety considerations, tool inspections, and the importance of regular maintenance to reduce the risk of mechanical failure or injury.
Electricity is a critical hazard on construction sites. This section addresses how to identify electrical services, the safe use of RCDs and tested extension cords, and what to do when faulty equipment or potential electrical risks are discovered on-site.
Mortar is essential in bricklaying but requires care in its preparation. This section covers safe handling and mixing techniques to avoid chemical exposure to cement dust, the importance of water control, and how to safely clean tools and dispose of mortar waste without creating hazards.
Materials must be stored securely to avoid collapses or obstructions. This section explains the correct way to stack and store bricks and blocks, especially on scaffolds or elevated work areas, and how to avoid overloading any part of the worksite.
Environmental factors can greatly affect safety. This section explores the risks posed by working in adverse weather conditions, offering strategies for UV protection, hydration, working on wet surfaces, and ensuring mortar cures properly despite environmental challenges.
Dust and airborne contaminants are common in bricklaying tasks. This section outlines the dangers of dust inhalation and explains how to control exposure using wet cutting techniques, dust suppression methods, and effective ventilation or respiratory protection equipment.
Bricklaying worksites often require traffic management. This section provides guidance on managing vehicles, pedestrian access, exclusion zones, spotters, signage, and barricades to reduce the risk of collision and maintain safe traffic flow within the site.
In an emergency, fast action saves lives. This section describes the key elements of an emergency response plan, including evacuation procedures, the use and location of first aid kits, and the correct way to report injuries and near misses as per workplace procedures.
Reporting hazards is everyone’s responsibility. This section teaches how to identify and record unsafe conditions, notify the appropriate supervisor or WHS officer, and use formal systems or digital tools to ensure hazards are addressed promptly.
Risk assessments and SWMS form the foundation of task-level safety. This section explains how to complete Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), prepare and follow Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and review these documents as work progresses or conditions change.
Collaboration with other trades is essential on shared worksites. This section addresses how to manage timing and space effectively, avoid work clashes, and control risks created when multiple trades operate simultaneously in close proximity.
Creating a culture of safety is everyone’s responsibility. This final section encourages open communication, reporting of unsafe acts, leadership by example, mentoring apprentices in safe behaviours, and recognising individuals or teams who consistently uphold safe working practices.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to apply safe work practices in bricklaying environments, contributing to a safer, more efficient, and legally compliant construction site.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Safe Working Practices in Bricklaying
- Importance of safety in the bricklaying trade
- Legal obligations under WHS legislation
- Employer and worker responsibilities on site
2. Understanding the Work Health and Safety Framework
- WHS Act and Regulations
- Codes of Practice relevant to construction and masonry
- Role of Safe Work Australia and state-based regulators
3. Site Induction and Pre-Start Requirements
- Site-specific safety inductions and documentation
- Sign-in procedures and PPE briefing
- Toolbox talks and pre-start risk assessments
4. Identifying Common Hazards in Bricklaying
- Manual handling and repetitive strain
- Cuts, abrasions, and crush injuries
- Trip hazards, falling objects, and site congestion
5. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Required PPE for bricklaying tasks
- Fit, maintenance, and storage of PPE
- Limitations and correct use of respiratory protection
6. Safe Manual Handling Techniques
- Lifting and carrying heavy bricks and blocks
- Team lifting and use of mechanical aids
- Preventing musculoskeletal injuries
7. Working at Heights Safely
- Ladder safety for bricklaying work
- Use of scaffolding and mobile work platforms
- Edge protection and fall arrest systems
8. Scaffold Access and Working Platforms
- Scaffold setup, inspection, and tagging systems
- Safe movement and material handling on platforms
- Maintaining clear and level working surfaces
9. Safe Use of Bricklaying Tools and Equipment
- Hand tools: trowels, jointers, hammers
- Power tools: brick saws, grinders, mixers
- Inspecting and maintaining tools for safe use
10. Electrical Safety on Bricklaying Sites
- Identifying live services and overhead power lines
- Use of RCDs and tagged extension leads
- Isolation procedures and reporting faults
11. Handling and Mixing Mortar Safely
- Cement dust and chemical exposure risks
- Correct mixing procedures and water control
- Cleaning tools and disposing of waste
12. Safe Storage and Stacking of Materials
- Storing bricks and blocks to prevent collapse
- Securing materials on scaffolds and platforms
- Avoiding overloading storage zones
13. Weather Considerations and Environmental Hazards
- Working in heat, rain, or strong winds
- UV protection and hydration strategies
- Preventing slips and poor mortar curing
14. Managing Dust and Airborne Contaminants
- Wet cutting vs dry cutting methods
- Using dust suppression systems
- Ventilation and respiratory control
15. Traffic Management and Access Control
- Vehicle movement on and around bricklaying sites
- Pedestrian walkways and exclusion zones
- Spotters, signage, and barricades
16. Emergency Procedures and First Aid
- Emergency response plans and site evacuation
- Location and use of first aid kits
- Reporting incidents and near misses
17. Hazard and Incident Reporting Procedures
- Identifying and recording unsafe conditions
- Notifying supervisors or WHS officers
- Using site-specific forms and apps
18. Risk Assessment and SWMS Implementation
- Completing Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)
- Developing and following Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- Reviewing and updating SWMS during the project
19. Safe Interaction with Other Trades
- Avoiding conflicts in shared work zones
- Coordinating timing and access with other workers
- Managing risks created by simultaneous operations
20. Building a Safety-Focused Culture
- Encouraging open communication and reporting
- Leading by example and mentoring apprentices
- Rewarding consistent safety compliance
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.