Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Concrete, Masonry & Roofing

Bricklaying and Blockwork — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for bricklaying and concrete masonry unit (CMU) blockwork construction including mortar mixing, block handling, scaffold use, and associated silica dust management, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.

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Personal Protective Equipment

P2 respirator (during cutting and dry mortar mixing)Safety glasses or gogglesSteel-capped safety bootsChemical-resistant gloves (for cement mortar contact)High-visibility vestKnee pads (for low-level work)Hard hat (where overhead hazards exist)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height involving the risk of falling more than 2 metres
•Work involving the disturbance of a structure or part of a structure that contains or is likely to contain asbestos

Risk Assessment

1.Mortar mixing and material preparation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Silica dust inhalation during dry mortar and sand handling	High	Use pre-blended, bagged mortar products in preference to dry-mixing sand and cement where practicable. When dry mixing is required, use a mechanical mixer with a fitted dust suppression system or LEV hood. Dampen dry materials before tipping where the mix design permits. Wear a minimum P2 respirator during all dry material handling and mixing. Keep other workers upwind and outside the dust zone. Do not use compressed air to blow cement dust. Review the SDS for all bagged cement and masonry products.	Moderate	Bricklayer / Safety Officer
Chemical burns from cement contact with skin and eyes	Moderate	Wet cement and mortar are caustic (pH 12–13) and will cause cement burns with prolonged skin contact. Wear nitrile or rubber chemical-resistant gloves when handling wet mortar and cement. Wear safety glasses or goggles when mixing or working at face level with wet mortar. Change wet boots and socks if cement enters footwear. If cement contacts skin, wash immediately with large volumes of water. In case of eye contact, flush continuously with clean water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep a clean water supply and eyewash station accessible at the work area.	Low	Bricklayer

2.Manual handling of bricks and blocks

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Musculoskeletal injury from repetitive lifting and carrying	High	Concrete blocks can weigh 8–25 kg each. Use a mechanical pallet jack or forklift to deliver packs of blocks as close as practicable to the work area — no more than 5 metres horizontal travel. Split heavy packs using a crow bar rather than manually unstacking from height. Use a block-splitting machine for block sizing rather than manual hammering. Rotate bricklayers between different tasks every 45 minutes to vary musculoskeletal loading. Use two-person lifts for blocks exceeding 20 kg. Set up work at an ergonomic height — scaffold should position the work face between hip and shoulder height.	Moderate	Bricklayer / Site Supervisor
Foot and toe crush injury from dropped blocks or bricks	High	All personnel in the bricklaying work area must wear steel-capped safety boots at all times. Stack bricks and blocks on the scaffold platform no higher than 900 mm and ensure stacks are stable and cannot topple. Keep walkways and scaffold boards clear of loose bricks and mortar. Use brick tongs or a purpose-built brick clamp for carrying multiple bricks. Barricade below scaffold work areas to prevent access by other trades while block work is being carried out.	Low	Bricklayer / Site Supervisor

3.Scaffold erection and use for elevated bricklaying

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fall from scaffold platform above 2 metres	Catastrophic	Scaffolding above 4 metres must be erected, altered, and dismantled by a licensed scaffolder. Bricklaying scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before first use and after any modification, significant weather event, or incident. Ensure all platforms are fully planked with no gaps greater than 25 mm, guardrails are fitted at 900 mm and 450 mm, and toe-boards are in place. No overloading of scaffold — maximum rated load must not be exceeded. Bricklayers must not lean beyond the guardrail or stand on guardrails. Barricade the area below scaffold to prevent pedestrian access while work is in progress.	Moderate	Scaffolder / Site Supervisor

4.Block cutting and saw operations

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Silica dust inhalation from masonry saw cutting	Catastrophic	Use a masonry bench saw with a continuous water suppression system for all block and brick cutting. Ensure the water flow to the blade is adequate and maintained throughout the cut. Where wet cutting is not available, use a vacuum shroud attached to a HEPA-filtered dust extraction unit. Wear a minimum P2 half-face respirator; a PAPR is recommended for prolonged cutting. Establish a restricted zone around the cutting area and enforce mandatory respiratory protection within it. Never dry-cut masonry materials without dust extraction.	Moderate	Bricklayer / Safety Officer

5.Wall bracing and curing of completed work

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Collapse of newly built masonry wall from wind or inadequate bracing	Catastrophic	Provide temporary bracing to all free-standing masonry walls greater than 1.5 metres in height that have not yet been tied into the structure. Bracing must be designed to withstand the expected wind loading and must remain in place until the mortar has reached sufficient strength (typically 7–14 days depending on conditions) and the wall is permanently supported. Do not remove bracing without approval from the site supervisor or structural engineer. Monitor wind conditions — suspend work when wind speeds exceed safe limits for unbraced wall height. Establish an exclusion zone on both sides of unbraced walls.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Structural Engineer

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________