Bricklaying safety

Common injuries in bricklaying

• Slips, trips and falls due to wet or uneven surfaces
• Cuts from contact with sharp tools or surfaces
• Burns from contact with hot bricks or cement
• Back injuries due to lifting heavy materials
• Eye injuries from dust particles.

How to avoid injuries while bricklaying

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for bricklaying

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a key component of safety when it comes to bricklaying. Not only does it provide physical protection from the hazardous elements around you, but it also gives peace of mind knowing that you have taken the necessary measures to protect yourself and those around you. Common bricklaying PPE includes:

• Hardhat
• Steel toe boots
• Goggles and face masks
• Good pair of gloves

Covering your hands is particularly crucial if you are handling bricks and other masonry materials. Without any protective barriers in between, the rough edges of the bricks can easily cause severe cuts. In addition to comfort, gloves can also help keep your hands clean from excess mortar and grime.

Follow all safety instructions when using power tools

Power tools can be incredibly useful for a range of tasks, but they also come with their own sets of safety considerations. Make sure to familiarise yourself with operating instructions ahead of time and adhere to any required clothing or other protective gear.

Keep a close eye on the power cord – make sure it isn’t bunched up or frayed before plugging in the device. Additionally, never leave a running power tool unattended as this can lead to serious accidents.

Safely lift heavy loads in bricklaying

Heavy lifting is an unavoidable part of bricklaying, as it is necessary to move large quantities of bricks and mortar around on a regular basis. It is therefore essential that you take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of injury when lifting heavy objects.

• Always ensure that your back remains straight when carrying any load – even if it means reducing the amount of bricks or material in each trip.
• Use a wheelbarrow when it is available – as this can help alleviate some of the strain of manual lifting.
• If two people are available for the job then make sure that you both lift together and communicate effectively before moving any object.

What to do in the event of an injury

In the event of an injury, it’s important to take immediate action.

• Immediately assess the severity of the wound and call for medical attention if necessary.
• If there is a deep laceration or blood loss, apply pressure with a sterile bandage or clean cloth until help arrives.
• It’s also important to clean any open wounds with soap and water or a mild antiseptic to keep the injury clean.
• If someone has received an electric shock, switch off the power if it is safe to do so (do not touch the person until the power is off), call 000 and follow DRSABCD. Cool any burns with cool running water for at least 20 minutes, cover them loosely with a non-stick dressing, and make sure the person is assessed by a doctor, even if they seem well.

By following these tips, and by using a bit of common sense, you can avoid many of the most common mistakes made when bricklaying. If you’re ever unsure about anything, always consult with an expert before starting your project.

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