When you head out to work in the morning, the last thing you want is to have it in your mind that your health and safety is at risk. This is why there are stringent laws and regulations in the UK to ensure that workers are kept safe and risks are kept as low as possible.
That said, there are always going to be some jobs that carry more of a risk than others. If you’re looking to get into a trade then bricklaying might be something you’ve considered but what are the risks? Is bricklaying a high risk job?
Bricklaying isn’t typically considered to be a high risk job. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t hazards involved. Some of the most risky aspects of being a bricklayer include falling from a height, injuries from tools and back pain from manual handling.
Of course, there are things you can to mitigate the risk of sustaining an injury or having an accident in the workplace. It’s always important to perform a risk assessment before beginning any job and in this guide, we will be talking through some of the biggest hazards and how you can avoid them.
The Hazards Of Being A Bricklayer
You could be forgiven for thinking that being a bricklayer doesn’t come with too many risks. After all, you’re just laying down blocks; it’s like playing with Lego, right? That couldn’t be further from the truth because bricklaying is an incredibly skilled job that takes some serious training. It’s nothing like you would imagine and that includes the risks you might face on a daily basis. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest problems for bricklayers.
Manual Handling
Manual handling refers to the lifting and carrying of equipment, materials and other things on the worksite. This can also refer to a variety of actions which might include but are certainly not limited to pushing, pulling, lowering and manoeuvring items. Quite often, bricklayers will be expected to move very heavy objects and with this comes with a risk of injury.
But it isn’t only this; the very act of laying bricks puts a huge physical strain on the body and many bricklayers suffer problems as a direct result of this.
For example, a lot of people in the bricklaying trade find that they sustain back injuries. This could be from heavy lifting but may also be from being in one position for too long. Laying bricks may also cause strains and injuries to the joints, especially in places such as the shoulders and wrists.
Because of the ongoing physical exertion required by bricklayers, it is not uncommon for these tradesmen and women to have ongoing pain.
How To Reduce Risks With Manual Handling
There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of complications or injuries where manual handling is concerned. One of the most obvious is never to undertake a task that you are physically unable to complete. For example, if you’re asked to move a heavy item and you have to over exert yourself to do it, you should ask for help.
If possible, large or heavy items should be moved using some method of transport such as a trolley. Anything that weighs over 20kg should have prior arrangements for its movement.
Your spot boards should be kept at a height that provides comfortable working conditions. Having to bend down or reach up repeatedly will result in strains and pain.
Falling From A Height
Another of the most common risks associated with bricklaying is falling from a great height. Often, brickies are expected to work above ground level and this naturally comes with a risk. But here the risk is much more severe and depending on the situation, a fall from a height could result in a fatality.
Generally speaking, these falls occur when edges are unprotected or if there are trip hazards within the working area. Falls from heights are also a more significant risk in adverse weather conditions such as rain which may make surfaces slippery or high winds which could cause you to become unsteady.
How To Reduce The Risk Of A Fall
The best way to reduce the risk of falling is to spend as little time as possible working at a height. We realise that this is sometimes unavoidable but the less time spent here, the better. When you absolutely must work above ground level, it is recommended to have harnesses and anchor points in place to stop the person from falling to their death.
Moreover, fall prevention devices such as guard rails, scaffolding and elevated work platforms are all essential when working above ground.
Injuries From Tools
Bricklayers must work with a wide variety of tools and these can present a significant risk. Things like cement mixers and brick saws pose quite serious dangers, especially when they are not used correctly.
Some of the most common injuries from tools on the worksite are caused by the instability of the machine and not just human error. There could be problems with fragments from blades which may cause cuts and injuries to delicate areas such as the eyes. In the worst cases, injuries from tools could result in the amputation of a digit or worse, a limb!
Since many of the tools are electrical, electric shocks are not uncommon and even the mere use of some tools could cause pain from over exertion.
How To Reduce The Risk Of Injuries From Tools
One of the most important things that anyone beginning work as a bricklayer must do is to receive adequate training in how to use the tools and equipment. Employers should ensure that this training is undertaken before any work is allowed to take place.
Moreover, all bricklayers should wear the correct personal protective equipment and make sure that they only operate tools they are safe and comfortable in doing so.
Tools and equipment should be regularly tested for damage or malfunction. In the event that problems are found, you should cease use of the equipment until it is repaired or replaced.
Related Article: Long Term Effects Of Being A Bricklayer
Conclusion
Bricklaying isn’t the most dangerous job on the planet but it certainly carries its own set of risks. Things like injuries from tools, falling from a height and injuries related to manual handling are a very real problem for brickies.
It’s essential to ensure proper workplace health and safety and never to attempt tasks that you are unsure of or unable to safely perform without assistance.