Bricklaying SWMS Template
This pre-written Bricklaying SWMS template gives you a compliant, ready-to-use document you can put to work today. Supplied as an instant download in fully editable Microsoft Word format, it sets out the hazards, risks and control measures typically associated with brick or block laying work activities.
Is a SWMS Required for Bricklaying Work?
While general bricklaying work isn't itself a High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) category, specific criteria — such as the risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, work in an area that may have a contaminated atmosphere (due to RCS dust), and work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant — can trigger HRCW requirements separately. Where any of these apply, a written SWMS is a legal requirement before work begins. Even where it doesn't, having a documented SWMS is strongly recommended and often requested by clients or principal contractors before you're allowed on site.
What This SWMS Covers:
- PPE
- Working outside
- Delivery of materials
- Deliveries and plant and equipment movement on site
- Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust
- RCS dust exposure monitoring
- Working with RCS materials
- Manual handling
- Moving and locating bricks and materials on site
- Electricity and power tool use
- Cordless power tool use
- Refuelling and using fuel powered tools
- Hazardous substances
- Mixing mortar with motorised cement mixer
- Mixing mortar by hand
- Cutting bricks or blocks - brick saw
- Cutting bricks or blocks - angle grinder, hand tools
- Working at height
- Laying bricks or blocks
- Bracing walls
- Inserting steel reinforcement into blocks
- Cleaning out blocks
- Cleaning brick or blocks
- RCS waste disposal
- Completion of work
Note: Updated to comply with Safe Work Australia Code of Practice - Managing Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica in the Workplace.
What's Included:
- High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) selection table
- Risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
- Step by step procedures
- Possible hazards
- Safety controls
- Safety responsibilities
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Plant and equipment
- Legislation, regulations, codes and standards
- Worker signoff
References and Standards:
- Work Health and Safety Act
- Work Health and Safety Regulations
- COP Construction Work
- COP First Aid in the Workplace
- COP Hazardous Manual Tasks
- COP How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
- COP Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
- COP Managing Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica in the Workplace
- AS 3700:2018 - Masonry Structures
- AS 4055:2021 - Wind Loads for Housing
- AS/NZS 1576.1:2019 – Scaffolding General requirements
COP = Safe Work Australia Code of Practice
Features:
- Instant download link sent to your email
- User friendly, fully editable Microsoft Word format
- Add your company details and use in your business today
- Will save you countless hours in research and development
- Free phone and email support if you need it
Who Is This SWMS For?
This SWMS is built for bricklaying businesses and subcontractors building or repairing brick and masonry structures on residential or commercial sites.
Why These SWMS Over the Alternatives?
vs. Writing them yourself
A properly written SWMS needs to identify the correct high-risk construction work category, list realistic hazards and controls, include a risk matrix, specify PPE requirements, and align with the WHS Act, Regulations and relevant Codes of Practice. That's hours of research most businesses don't have time for. This one is already written — you're customising by adding business and site-specific information, not creating it from scratch.
vs. Hiring a consultant to write them
A WHS consultant charging to produce bespoke SWMS typically bills $200–$500+ per document. This one costs $69.95.
vs. Free or AI templates
Free templates and AI-generated documents can look the part without being fit for purpose. Without the WHS knowledge to check what's in front of you, errors can slip through unnoticed — and most AI tools openly say their output needs checking for accuracy. The question is whether you have the expertise to know what "accurate" looks like. If not, that's where the real risk sits.
Need More Than One SWMS?
If you need SWMS for more than one bricklaying task, our Bricklaying SWMS Pack bundles the most commonly needed SWMS for your trade at a significant discount, or browse our full range of SWMS Templates.
If you need more than a handful of SWMS but not the full Bricklaying SWMS Pack, we can put together a custom pack at a discounted price based on the number of SWMS you need. Download the Bricklaying SWMS Selection List and email us for a custom quote — or call 1800 304 336 and we'll sort it out with you directly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use this SWMS template on more than one job? Yes. Once purchased, you can use and adapt this SWMS across unlimited projects and sites for your business — there's no per-project fee or subscription.
How do I customise this SWMS for my business? Add your company details and adjust the control measures to reflect your specific site conditions where needed. It's supplied in fully editable Microsoft Word format, so no special software is required.
Is a SWMS legally required for bricklaying work? Almost always.While general bricklaying work isn't itself a High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) category, specific criteria — such as the risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, work in an area that may have a contaminated atmosphere (due to RCS dust), and work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant — can trigger HRCW requirements separately. Where any of these apply, a written SWMS is a legal requirement before work begins.