SWMS - Bricklayer / Blocklayer Example
Example document for SWMS - Bricklayer / Blocklayer. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: SWMS - Bricklayer / Blocklayer
Example Document
Last updated 7/30/2026
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
Company Details
Company Name: Apex Bricklaying Pty Ltd ABN: 12 345 678 901 Address: 123 Build Road, Melbourne VIC 3000
Project / Job Details
Site Address: 45 Smith Street, Richmond VIC Job Title: Single Storey Dwelling Brickwork Date of Work: 15/10/2023 SWMS Number: SWMS-004
High Risk Construction Work (HRCW)
- Work involving a risk of a fall over 2 metres
- Work carried out on or near energised electrical installations
- Work involving the use of powered mobile plant
Sign-Off (Preparation)
Principal Contractor / PCBU Representative: J. Smith Date: 14/10/2023 Signature: J. Smith
1. Job Steps / Tasks
| Step | Description of Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Site set up, perimeter fencing and hazard signs |
| 2 | Delivery and loading of bricks onto scaffolding using telehandler |
| 3 | Mixing mortar in portable mixer |
| 4 | Laying bricks on external walls at 3m height |
| 5 | Cutting bricks with angle grinder for corners |
| 6 | Installation of window lintels |
2. Hazards, Risks and Control Measures
| Job Step | Hazard(s) | Potential Harm | Risk (Before) | Control Measures | Risk (After) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uneven ground, debris | Sprains, cuts | M | Admin: Inspect ground daily. Clean area. PPE: Boots. | L |
| 2 | Telehandler collision, falling bricks | Crush injury, fractures | H | Engineering: Use telehandler with spotter. Scaffold tagged. Do not overload bays. Admin: Exclusion zone for loading. PPE: Hi-vis vest, helmet. | L |
| 3 | Silica dust, cement burns | Silicosis, dermatitis | H | Engineering: Wet mixing. Keep mixer lid on. Admin: Work upwind. PPE: P2 mask, goggles, gloves. | L |
| 4 | Fall from scaffold | Serious injury / Death | H | Substitution: Use full scaffold (no ladders). Engineering: Scaffold 2.4m high with handrails and toe boards (AS 1576). Admin: Tag visible. PPE: Boots. | L |
| 5 | Noise, dust, kickback | Hearing loss, eye injury | H | Engineering: Wet cutting with dust attachment. Admin: Isolate cutting. PPE: Class 5 muffs, P2 mask, face shield. | L |
| 6 | Heavy lifting | Back injury | M | Engineering: Use brick tongs or two-man lift for heavy lintels. Admin: Keep load close to body. | L |
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Helmet (Viking)
- High Visibility Clothing (Orange Shirt)
- Safety Boots (Steel Cap)
- Safety Glasses (Clear)
- Hearing Protection (Class 5 Earmuffs)
- Dust Mask (P2)
- Sun Protection (Hard hat brim)
- Gloves (Rubber)
4. Emergency Procedures
Emergency Services: 000 Nearest Hospital: Epworth Richmond Emergency Assembly Point: Front footpath
5. Training and Competency
- General Construction Induction Card (White Card) - All workers
- Site Specific Induction - All workers
- High Risk Work License (Scaffolding) - Scaffolder hired
- High Risk Work License (Forklift/Telehandler) - Bob Jones
6. Review and Monitoring
Last Review Date: 14/10/2023 Next Review Date: 14/10/2024
7. Worker Sign-Off
| Worker Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
| B. Brick | 15/10/23 | |
| A. Layer | 15/10/23 |
Notes
This example assumes a standard residential project using a telehandler and scaffold. It highlights the high-risk activities of working at heights and using mobile plant.
About this Example
Part of the SWMS - Bricklayer / Blocklayer document collection
Document Type
SWMS - Bricklayer / Blocklayer
This SWMS is required for all bricklaying and blocklaying work on Australian construction sites that involves high-risk construction work, such as working at heights over 2 metres or using powered mobile plant.