Bricklaying & Blockwork SWMS Templates

Bricklaying frequently meets HRCW triggers under WHS Regulation 291. Work above two metres — common when laying upper courses, gables, or repointing — is HRCW, as is work that generates respirable crystalline silica through cutting, grinding, or raking mortar. Use of powered mobile plant for loading out can also apply. A SWMS must be prepared before work starts and must be available for inspection by the regulator and the principal contractor.

Yes — these tasks introduce respirable crystalline silica risks that warrant their own documented controls. Under the Code of Practice for Working with Silica and Silica Containing Products and the WHS workplace exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA), you must specify on-tool water suppression or LEV, P2/P3 RPE, exclusion zones, and health monitoring. A dedicated Brick Cutting SWMS or Tuckpointing & Mortar Grinding SWMS keeps these controls auditable.

Bricklayer's trestles are typically light-duty modular systems under 1 metre platform height and fall under the falls Code of Practice rather than requiring a high risk work licence. Mobile scaffolds above 4 metres require a basic scaffolding licence under WHS Regulation Schedule 3. Both must comply with AS/NZS 1576 scaffolding standards. Your SWMS should identify the scaffold type, load class, and inspection regime applicable to the platform in use.

The core SWMS content is consistent because WHS Regulation 2025 applies in harmonised jurisdictions, and Victoria's OHS Regulations require equivalent Safe Work Method Statements for HRCW. State variations exist in silica licensing schemes, notification thresholds, and regulator contact details. Our templates are written state-neutral against the model WHS framework so you can add jurisdiction-specific principal contractor details, SafeWork or WorkSafe notification numbers, and site-specific hazards before sign-off.

A Blocklaying with Corefill SWMS must address structural compliance with AS 3700, including reinforcement placement, grout slump and pour heights, and bracing of green walls against wind load. Health and safety controls include manual handling of blocks over 20 kg (Hazardous Manual Tasks Code), silica controls for cutting, fall protection above two metres, and concrete pump or grout delivery hose management. Pre-pour checklists and lift-height limits should be specified.