COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Hazard Identification & Control in High-Risk Bricklaying Tasks course. This program has been developed to equip you with the practical skills, legislative understanding, and proactive safety methods required to identify, assess, and control hazards in high-risk bricklaying and blocklaying environments.
High-risk activities are a routine part of bricklaying work, particularly where height, manual handling, dust exposure, or powered equipment are involved. This course begins by defining what constitutes high-risk construction work under Australian regulations and highlights the legal obligations of employers, supervisors, and workers to prevent injury and manage exposure. You will explore the real-world consequences of failing to control hazards—ranging from physical harm and WHS breaches to costly delays and reputational damage.
Hazard identification is the first step in every safe job. This section introduces the concept of proactive hazard recognition—before, during, and after task execution—and explains the difference between a hazard, a risk, and a control. You will also learn how early hazard identification supports the development of effective job safety planning and contributes to overall site risk reduction.
All bricklaying tasks must be performed in line with current legislation. This section explores Safe Work Australia’s guidelines for high-risk construction work and relevant state-based WHS legislation and Codes of Practice. You will learn the shared responsibilities of employers and workers under the WHS Act and how compliance protects both lives and livelihoods.
Many hazards are specific to the trade. This section outlines common risks in bricklaying work—including lifting heavy blocks, working on scaffolds, and exposure to silica dust from cutting bricks or mixing mortar. You’ll learn how to identify these hazards in both internal and external site environments.
Environmental factors can significantly increase risk. This section focuses on how to assess site conditions, including uneven or wet ground, surrounding hazards such as excavations or machinery, and weather-related risks such as UV exposure or high winds. Understanding these elements helps tailor control measures to each site.
Tools and materials must also be assessed for risk. This section explains how to inspect brick saws, hand tools, and storage practices to prevent accidents caused by faulty equipment or unstable stacks. You’ll also explore risks associated with chemical incompatibility and poor material handling.
Working at heights is a leading cause of construction injury. This section addresses how to recognise fall hazards, verify the integrity of scaffolds, and ensure edge protection systems are in place. You’ll learn how to check ladders, monitor platform access, and ensure fall prevention equipment is being used correctly.
Manual handling is a daily challenge in bricklaying. This section focuses on how to prevent injury by assessing lifting methods, using trolleys or lifters for heavy components, and avoiding poor body positioning. You’ll also explore how to manage fatigue and reduce cumulative strain through rotation and task variation.
Dust exposure poses serious long-term risks. This section covers how to identify silica-generating tasks and implement dust suppression using wet-cutting, HEPA vacuums, and appropriate PPE. You’ll also learn how to use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and implement respiratory controls to protect yourself and your team.
Powered tools can present hidden dangers. This section explores how to manage risks from brick saws, extension leads, and portable generators. You’ll learn how to isolate equipment, inspect before use, and report or tag-out any faulty items to prevent electrical incidents.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are a legal requirement for high-risk work. This section explains when SWMS are required, how to involve workers in developing and reviewing them, and how to ensure SWMS are being followed and updated as conditions change onsite.
Risk assessment tools help prioritise action. This section introduces basic tools such as risk matrices, and explains how to assess both likelihood and consequence. You’ll learn how to work with supervisors to identify residual risk and focus resources on the highest-priority hazards.
Clear instruction ensures team awareness. This section outlines how to deliver effective inductions, safety briefings, and toolbox talks—especially for new apprentices. You’ll learn how to use visual aids and trade-specific demonstrations to reinforce safe practices on real tasks.
Active supervision is essential during high-risk tasks. This section focuses on how to monitor work practices in real time, intervene when controls aren’t followed, and adjust task sequencing or methods to maintain safety as conditions evolve throughout the workday.
Documenting hazard controls supports compliance and continuous improvement. This section covers how to complete checklists, risk logs, and SWMS forms accurately. You’ll also learn how to document incidents and near misses to support root cause analysis and regulatory reporting.
Reporting hazards must be timely and thorough. This section explores how to encourage workers to report risks, use formal hazard report forms, and investigate near misses to prevent escalation. Prompt reporting builds trust and improves the reliability of your safety systems.
Control measures must evolve as work progresses. This section outlines how to conduct regular site walk-throughs, check that controls remain effective, and adjust methods or equipment based on conditions. You’ll also learn how to conduct post-task reviews to update your approach on future jobs.
Safety culture is built from the ground up. This final section explores how to make hazard identification and control part of your team’s daily routine. You’ll learn how to reward safe behaviours, lead by example, and instil pride in working safely as a core part of bricklaying excellence.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, practical tools, and legal awareness to identify and control hazards in high-risk bricklaying tasks—supporting a safer, more productive, and compliant workplace for all.
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 High-Risk Activities in Bricklaying
- Defining high-risk construction tasks relevant to bricklaying
- Legal and WHS obligations under Australian law
- Consequences of unmanaged hazards for workers and employers
2. Understanding the Role of Hazard Identification
- Importance of proactive identification before work begins
- Differentiating between hazards, risks, and controls
- Linking hazard identification to job safety planning
3. Reviewing WHS Legislation and Codes of Practice
- Safe Work Australia regulations for high-risk construction work
- State-specific WHS legislation and Codes of Practice
- Employer and worker responsibilities under the WHS Act
4. Identifying Common Hazards in Bricklaying Operations
- Manual handling of bricks, blocks, and mortar
- Working at height on scaffolds or elevated platforms
- Exposure to silica dust and cement-based products
5. Assessing Site Conditions for Environmental Hazards
- Uneven ground, wet surfaces, and unstable work zones
- Exposure to weather: wind, heat, UV, and rain
- Identifying surrounding hazards like excavations and vehicles
6. Inspecting Tools, Equipment, and Materials for Hazards
- Faulty brick saws, broken trowels, or damaged levels
- Incompatible materials and chemical substances
- Poorly stored or stacked bricks and blocks
7. Managing Risks Associated with Working at Heights
- Identifying scaffolding or edge protection failures
- Ensuring compliant fall prevention systems are in place
- Monitoring access ladders and working platforms
8. Controlling Manual Handling Risks in Bricklaying
- Lifting, carrying, and laying heavy blocks or lintels
- Avoiding repetitive strain and awkward postures
- Using aids such as mechanical lifters or trolleys
9. Preventing Exposure to Dust and Hazardous Substances
- Identifying silica-generating tasks such as cutting bricks
- Using water suppression, HEPA vacuums, and PPE
- Following SDS instructions and using respiratory protection
10. Managing Hazardous Energy and Powered Tools
- Identifying risks with electrical brick saws and generators
- Isolating and inspecting powered equipment before use
- Tagging out faulty tools and reporting issues promptly
11. Implementing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- When SWMS are required for high-risk tasks
- Involving workers in developing and reviewing SWMS
- Monitoring compliance and updating procedures onsite
12. Using Risk Assessment Tools Effectively
- Conducting risk matrices and likelihood assessments
- Involving site supervisors in evaluating residual risk
- Prioritising high-risk tasks for control implementation
13. Instructing and Training Workers on Hazard Control
- Delivering clear safety briefings and inductions
- Using visual aids and demonstrations for new apprentices
- Reinforcing safe procedures through daily toolbox talks
14. Supervising High-Risk Tasks During Execution
- Observing for unsafe acts or changes in conditions
- Intervening when controls are not followed
- Adjusting work methods to maintain safety standards
15. Documenting Hazard Identification and Control Measures
- Completing hazard checklists, SWMS, and risk logs
- Recording incidents and near misses for analysis
- Retaining safety documents for regulatory compliance
16. Reporting Hazards and Near Misses Promptly
- Encouraging all workers to report unsafe conditions
- Using formal channels and hazard report forms
- Investigating near misses to prevent actual incidents
17. Reviewing and Updating Hazard Controls Regularly
- Conducting ongoing inspections and walk-throughs
- Adjusting control measures as work progresses
- Involving the team in post-task safety reviews
18. Embedding a Safety Culture in Bricklaying Teams
- Recognising and rewarding hazard reporting
- Leading by example through safe behaviours
- Making hazard control part of daily routine and pride in trade
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”.