COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Risk Management in Brick & Blocklaying Operations course. This training is designed to equip bricklayers, supervisors, and site workers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to identify, assess, and control risks effectively in masonry environments.
Risk management is not just a legal requirement—it's a critical part of ensuring everyone on-site returns home safely each day. This course begins by introducing the concept of risk management and its role in the construction sector. You'll explore the legal duties placed on workers and employers under Australia's WHS laws and the importance of building a proactive safety culture to prevent incidents and protect lives.
To manage risk effectively, you must first understand what risk really means in the context of bricklaying. This section defines the difference between a hazard and a risk, highlights typical sources of danger on bricklaying sites, and examines how different settings—such as residential versus commercial jobs—present unique challenges.
The risk management process is a systematic approach. This section outlines the four key steps: hazard identification, risk assessment, control implementation, and ongoing review. You'll learn how this cycle aligns with Safe Work Australia’s framework and supports continuous safety improvement across masonry projects.
Every worksite presents specific hazards that must be addressed. This section looks closely at risks associated with manual handling, slips and falls, working on scaffolds, and exposure to cement-based products, adhesives, and airborne dust—common challenges in bricklaying.
Before bricklaying begins, risk assessments are essential. This section explains how to conduct inspections, use checklists, gather team input, and document findings and control strategies to ensure site conditions are safe and compliant.
Assessing risks involves understanding how likely a hazard is to occur and how severe the consequences could be. This section introduces the use of a risk matrix to prioritise risks, enabling informed decisions about which issues require urgent control.
Control measures must be chosen with care. This section walks you through the hierarchy of controls—starting with elimination and substitution and ending with the appropriate use of PPE—ensuring you're selecting the most effective options for the site.
For high-risk tasks, such as working at heights or using power tools, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required. This section outlines when a SWMS is legally mandated, how to develop one, and how to communicate it effectively to the team.
Manual handling is one of the most common sources of injury. This section explains how to reduce strain and injury through proper lifting techniques, mechanical aids like hoists and wheelbarrows, and planning for load sharing on-site.
Working from scaffolds and elevated areas comes with additional risks. This section outlines requirements for scaffold installation and certification, discusses fall prevention systems, and details how to plan for rescue procedures in case of an emergency.
Brick saws, grinders, and other electrical equipment must be used safely. This section covers how to inspect and tag equipment, avoid common electrical hazards, and prevent injury from faulty tools or improper use.
Exposure to cement, lime, dust, and chemical agents is a serious concern. This section explores health risks, safe storage and handling methods, and dust control techniques including the use of respiratory protective equipment.
Weather conditions are often unpredictable. This section focuses on how extreme temperatures, rain, wind, and UV exposure impact safety and how to plan for environmental risks including securing scaffolding and materials in bad weather.
Communication is key to safety. This section outlines how to report hazards, document near misses, and use verbal and written methods to ensure that all workers are informed and risk controls are understood during daily briefings.
An emergency can happen at any time. This section guides you through the development of emergency response plans, including injury management, first aid access, and evacuation procedures, and how to assign roles in an emergency situation.
Even the best control measures require oversight. This section highlights how supervisors and workers should monitor risk controls on a day-to-day basis, conduct spot checks, and adjust responses when conditions on-site change.
Risk management is most effective when it involves everyone. This section explores strategies to engage the whole team in identifying risks, participating in solutions, and developing a shared sense of responsibility for safety.
Risk controls must evolve with the work. This section explains when to review and update your SWMS or JSA, especially after incidents, site changes, or if controls prove ineffective, and how to document improvements properly.
Poor risk management has serious consequences. This section outlines the legal and insurance implications of failing to manage risk, including penalties, project delays, and liability for injury or damage claims.
Fostering a culture of risk awareness creates safer sites. This final section provides guidance on recognising workers who report hazards, demonstrating leadership through safe behaviour, and delivering ongoing safety training that keeps risk top of mind.
By the end of this course, you will have the tools and knowledge to manage risk proactively, ensure legal compliance, and contribute to a culture of safety and professionalism in brick and blocklaying operations.
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 Risk Management in Masonry Work
- Definition and purpose of risk management
- Legal obligations under Australian WHS laws
- Importance of a proactive safety culture on-site
2. Understanding Risk in Brick & Blocklaying Operations
- What constitutes a hazard and a risk
- Common sources of risk in masonry work
- Risk factors unique to residential and commercial projects
3. The Risk Management Process
- The four-step process: identify, assess, control, review
- Aligning the process with Safe Work Australia guidance
- Continuous improvement through risk review
4. Identifying Hazards on Bricklaying Worksites
- Manual handling and repetitive strain
- Falling objects, trip hazards, and scaffold issues
- Hazardous substances: cement, adhesives, and dust
5. Conducting Site-Specific Risk Assessments
- Inspecting the work area before commencing
- Using checklists and team input
- Documenting findings and control measures
6. Evaluating the Likelihood and Consequence of Risk
- Determining the severity of potential outcomes
- Rating risks using a standard risk matrix
- Prioritising risks for treatment
7. Applying the Hierarchy of Controls
- Elimination and substitution of hazards
- Engineering and administrative controls
- Correct use and limitations of PPE
8. Developing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- When a SWMS is required under WHS law
- Structure and components of a SWMS
- Ensuring team understanding and sign-off
9. Controlling Manual Handling Risks
- Best practices for lifting bricks and blocks
- Use of aids such as wheelbarrows and scaffolding hoists
- Preventing repetitive strain and back injuries
10. Managing Scaffold and Height-Related Risks
- Scaffold erection and certification
- Using guardrails, toeboards, and ladders safely
- Fall prevention and rescue planning
11. Electrical and Equipment-Related Risks
- Safe use of brick saws and grinders
- Inspection and tagging of electrical tools
- Avoiding electrocution and mechanical injury
12. Chemical and Dust Exposure Control
- Cement, lime, and mortar exposure risks
- Dust suppression techniques and RPE
- Safe storage and handling of hazardous substances
13. Weather and Environmental Risks
- Effects of heat, cold, wind, and rain on safety
- Planning for UV exposure and hydration
- Securing materials and scaffolds in adverse weather
14. Communication and Reporting Procedures
- Reporting hazards, incidents, and near misses
- Using site registers and verbal notifications
- Communicating risks in daily briefings
15. Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Developing emergency procedures for injuries and incidents
- First aid provisions and evacuation planning
- Assigning emergency roles and responsibilities
16. Supervising and Monitoring Risk Controls
- Ensuring controls are implemented and maintained
- Spot checks and ongoing risk observation
- Adapting to changing site conditions
17. Involving Workers in Risk Management
- Consulting the team when identifying risks
- Encouraging participation and safety ownership
- Recording feedback and improvements
18. Reviewing and Updating Risk Controls
- Reviewing effectiveness after incidents or changes
- Regular review intervals for long-term projects
- Documenting changes to SWMS or JSA
19. Legal and Insurance Implications of Poor Risk Management
- Consequences of non-compliance
- Liability in the event of injury or damage
- Role of risk management in insurance claims
20. Promoting a Risk-Aware Worksite Culture
- Rewarding hazard reporting and safe behaviour
- Leading by example as a tradesperson or supervisor
- Providing ongoing safety training and reminders
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”.