Bricklayers are one of the trades most prone to injury due to the amount of heavy lifting, pulling and pushing they perform on a daily basis. Most injuries are caused from moving bricks around the site and from being in an awkward position when laying them.

To minimise the risk of injury, bricklayers and their employers must adhere to certain safe work practices. The practices should be developed in consultation with employees and include:

• Establishing a clear access/egress to allow for the safe movement of brick packs and other materials and equipment around the site;
• Delivering materials as close to the job as possible and placing them on flat level ground;
• Selecting materials that are lighter and easier to handle;
• Considering mechanical lifting and handling equipment to move brick packs and other heavy materials. Equipment includes specifically designed wheel barrows, brick trolleys, cranes and lift trucks;
• Not relying on team lifting. Team lifting is neither time nor cost effective but if it can’t be avoided all bricklayers must be properly trained;
• Site induction (training etc.) and ongoing supervision from the principal contractor including maintenance of clear walkways;
• Securing and maintaining working platform planks. They should be secured to allow bricklayers to complete their work with a good posture;
• Good housekeeping to decrease the number of obstructions.