🧱 Masonry Safety
Topic: Safe practices for masonry work including scaffold use, material handling, and silica exposure Duration: 5-8 minutes Reference: OSHA 1926 Subpart Q (Masonry Construction), Subpart L (Scaffolds)
The Stats
- Masonry blocks weigh 35-45 lbs each — overexertion and back injuries are common
- Silica dust from cutting brick/block causes 300+ construction deaths annually
- Falls from scaffolds account for major masonry fatalities
- Struck-by incidents from falling materials and collapsing walls occur each year
OSHA requires: Competent person for scaffold erection; silica exposure control; wall bracing during construction.
Scaffold Safety for Masons
Before Use
- Scaffold erected by competent person
- Guardrails (top rail 42", midrail 21") on all open sides
- Platform planking fully planked, no gaps
- Toeboards in place to prevent material kick-off
- Capacity tags visible — don't exceed load limits
- Access ladder or stairs properly secured
During Work
- Load materials on platform, not guardrails
- Don't stack blocks higher than 4 feet on platform
- Keep walkway clear of mortar, debris, and tools
- Never climb on cross braces
Material Handling
| Hazard | Control |
|---|---|
| Blocks (35-45 lbs each) | Use mechanical means when possible; team lift; limit repetitive lifting |
| Mortar tubs | Use wheelbarrows or hoists; don't overload |
| Bricks | Stagger loads; use pallets and forklifts |
| Wall collapse | Follow bracing plans; never remove temporary bracing |
Lifting Techniques
- Bend knees, keep back straight
- Get close to the load
- Never twist while lifting
- Break load into smaller quantities
- Use equipment — block carts, hoists, boom lifts
Silica Dust Control
Cutting brick, block, or stone generates respirable crystalline silica. Required controls:
- Use wet cutting or vacuum-equipped saws when possible
- Wear properly fitted N95 respirator (or better per site silica plan)
- Work upwind of dust when feasible
- Clean up with wet methods — no dry sweeping
- Change into clean clothes before leaving site
Mortar & Chemical Burns
| Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Portland cement burns | Wear gloves; wash skin immediately if contact occurs |
| Lime in mortar | Flush eyes for 15 min if splashed; seek medical attention |
| Masonry cleaners | Read SDS; use PPE specified (gloves, goggles, ventilation) |
If mortar gets in eyes or on skin: Flush with water immediately. Cement is alkaline and can cause serious burns over time.
What TO Do / What NOT To Do
✅ Do
- Wear hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate PPE
- Brace walls per engineer specs during construction
- Secure materials so they can't fall
- Use proper access — no climbing on partially built walls
- Stay out from under overhead masonry work
❌ Don't
- Don't remove temporary wall bracing
- Don't overload scaffold platforms
- Don't dry-cut masonry without silica controls
- Don't ignore mortar on skin — wash it off
- Don't throw or drop materials from height
Discussion Questions
- Where are our wet-cut or vacuum-equipped saws? When must we use them?
- What's the max load for our scaffold platforms? How do we track material weight?
- Who is our competent person for scaffold issues?
- What's our procedure if someone gets mortar or cement in their eyes?
Today's Commitment
"I will control silica exposure, handle materials safely, and keep my work area clear of falling hazards."
Sign-In
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|---|---|---|
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