Risks Assessing Brick and Blockwork

When carrying out a site related Risk Assessment for brick and block works there are certain activities that need to be assessed as part of the overall Risk Assessment Process. Some Examples are listed below with basic risk reducing items.

Activity:-

Manual Handling Injuries

All Site Operatives where regular lifting of brick/block or concrete lintels etc.

All loads are transported to work area/scaffold by telehandler or forklift.

Ensure that any heavy items such as lintels or precast/other items can be lifted by mechanical means.
Toolbox talks are held on a regular basis for manual handling.

Working at height, Trestles and Scaffolding 
Use spot boards etc. to ensure bricks/blocks are raised to an easier working height.

Ensure toe-boards, ladders and safety rails are in place before works commence, Check these daily.

Slips and trips
Proper footwear worn to reduce slips.

All Spills cleaned up including mortar.

Ensure that waste materials are continually collected and disposed of.

Feet, Eyes, Skin

Safety boots with steel toecaps and mid-soles to be worn at all times.

Safety Goggles to EN 166 B must be worn when breaking/cutting bricks and blocks.

Abrasive wheels trained persons to change blades and to use the equipment, no untrained persons to operate cutting tools.

Use of good washing facilities on site with hand creams supplied.
Risk of dermatitis and burns to be subject of regular toolbox talks.

A full example completed Risk Assessment is available HERE

pile of bricks
brickwork