• SWMS template · brick and block laying
Bricklaying SWMS template: safe work method statement for bricklayers
Bricklaying is high-risk construction work on most jobs because of what surrounds it: scaffold and loading bays above 2 metres, forklifts and telehandlers moving pallets, and footing trenches. A bricklaying SWMS should cover those, plus silica dust from cutting and the risk of a new wall coming down in the wind.
When do bricklayers need a SWMS?
Most brick and block jobs hit at least one high-risk construction work category. These are model WHS regulation 291 categories; Victoria uses its own list under the OHS Regulations 2017. The full list is on the high-risk construction work checklist.
- Working from scaffold or loading bays with a fall risk over 2 m.
- Moving powered mobile plant on site: forklifts, telehandlers and cranes delivering pallets.
- Footing trenches with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 m.
- Work on or near a road or other traffic corridor in use by traffic.
- Structural alterations or repairs that need temporary support to prevent collapse, e.g. propping a brick wall while installing a lintel.
Bricklaying hazards and controls
Scaffold and loading bays
Work only from complete scaffold with edge protection, and don't remove handrails to pass materials. Load only to the scaffold's rated duty.
Scaffold must be erected by a licensed scaffolder where a person or thing could fall more than 4 m. Check the scaffold handover and inspection tags before use; see the scaffolding SWMS.
Silica dust from cutting bricks, blocks and pavers
From 1 September 2024 the model WHS Regulations treat cutting, grinding or drilling materials with 1% or more crystalline silica with power tools as processing of a crystalline silica substance. The PCBU must assess whether the processing is high risk (assume it is if unsure) and, if it is, have a silica risk control plan before work starts (reg 529CB).
If the work is also high-risk construction work, a SWMS that covers what the silica risk control plan must cover can be used instead (reg 529CB(3)).
- Wet cutting or on-tool extraction.
- RPE such as a P2 respirator as a minimum.
- Keep others out of the dust; no dry sweeping.
Victoria has its own crystalline silica rules under the OHS Regulations 2017 (check WorkSafe Victoria). See Safe Work Australia's crystalline silica guidance.
Telehandlers, forklifts and pallet deliveries
Set exclusion zones and use a spotter while plant moves. Plant must be run by a licensed or competent operator, and no one stands under suspended loads. Trench work near footings is covered in the excavation SWMS.
Manual handling of heavy blocks
Stage materials at waist height, use mechanical aids or two-person lifts for heavy blocks, and rotate tasks to reduce repetitive strain.
New walls, wind and bracing
Brace new walls as required, limit the height laid per day, and stop work in high winds.
Cement, mortar and heat
Cement and wet mortar can burn skin and eyes: wear gloves and eye protection and wash skin promptly. For sun and heat, provide shade, water and rest breaks.
Filled example: double-storey brick veneer house
Illustrative example of laying the upper storey of a brick veneer house from scaffold, with a telehandler loading pallets onto the scaffold. The business and site are made up.
Example layout only — not a copy-paste legal document. See the scaffolding SWMS for scaffold erection.
| Step | Hazards | Controls | 5×5 risk |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Load bricks onto the scaffold with a telehandler Responsible: Telehandler operator / leading hand |
|
| InitialL4×C5 = 20 Critical ResidualL2×C4 = 8 Medium |
2. Lay the upper storey from scaffold Responsible: Bricklayer |
|
| InitialL3×C5 = 15 High ResidualL2×C4 = 8 Medium |
3. Cut bricks and mix mortar Responsible: Bricklayer |
|
| InitialL4×C4 = 16 Critical ResidualL2×C3 = 6 Medium |
4. Install lintels and steel over openings Responsible: Bricklayer / leading hand |
|
| InitialL3×C4 = 12 High ResidualL2×C3 = 6 Medium |
5. Clean down brickwork and pack down Responsible: Bricklayer |
|
| InitialL3×C3 = 9 Medium ResidualL2×C2 = 4 Low |
What the generator changes for bricklaying
Tell it the walls, the scaffold, the plant and the state. It drafts the steps, hazards and controls for the job, which you then review and edit. Check what a SWMS must include or start from the SWMS template. When you're ready, open the SWMS generator.
Frequently asked questions
Do bricklayers need a SWMS?
Usually, yes. Working from scaffold with a fall risk over 2 metres, working where powered mobile plant such as forklifts, telehandlers and cranes moves, and footing trenches deeper than 1.5 metres are all high-risk construction work under model WHS regulation 291. If any apply, you need a SWMS before the work starts.
Is a bricklaying SWMS free to download?
Creating an account is free and needs no card; creating and editing your own site-specific draft is free too. The $20/month subscription is only needed to download the PDF. This page is an example layout, not a Word file you print and sign.
What silica controls apply when cutting bricks and blocks?
Cutting bricks, blocks and pavers generates respirable crystalline silica. Use wet cutting or on-tool extraction and suitable respiratory protective equipment, and keep other workers out of the dust. Say in the SWMS which saws and controls are used on this job.
How do I stop a new wall falling over?
Freshly laid walls have little strength until the mortar cures and the wall is tied in. Brace walls as required, limit the height laid in one go, and stop work in high winds. Put the bracing and wind limits in the SWMS.
Does the SWMS work in NSW, VIC, QLD and WA?
The generator cites the WHS Act and Regulations for NSW, QLD, WA and the other model-WHS jurisdictions. Victoria uses the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Regulations 2017. Pick the state when you generate and the references follow.
Does a bricklaying SWMS cover silica?
It should. List the cutting tasks (bricks, blocks, pavers) and the silica controls you'll use. Under the model WHS Regulations, a SWMS for high-risk construction work can stand in for a silica risk control plan if it covers the content that plan must include (reg 529CB(3)).
Is a bricklaying SWMS the same as a JSA?
No. A JSA or JSEA is a general task risk tool, while a SWMS is required by law for high-risk construction work. See SWMS vs JSA for the differences.
Check the official guidance
A SWMS sets out the high-risk construction activities, their hazards and the controls to use. Prepare it before the work starts, adapt it to the site and review it when the work or controls change. Consult the people doing the work. An AI draft or example needs review before use.
- Safe Work Australia: preparing and using a SWMS
- WorkSafe Victoria: SWMS duties under Victorian OHS rules
Model WHS guidance and Victorian requirements differ. Check the rules that apply to your workplace.
Write the bricklaying SWMS for this job
Describe the walls, the scaffold, the plant and the state. Free account, no card to sign up. $20/month for unlimited PDF downloads.
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