Bricklaying RAMS — Risk Assessments and Method Statements
TL;DR
Bricklaying work on UK construction sites carries specific health and safety risks that must be identified and controlled through a proper RAMS process. Every operative must be briefed on the RAMS and sign to confirm understanding before work begins.
Typical Bricklaying Tasks
- Preparation, setting out and material delivery management
- Primary installation or construction activities
- Working alongside other trades in shared areas
- Quality checks and remediation work
- Handover and clearance of work areas
Common Hazards
Manual Handling
Bricklaying work involves repeated movement of materials, some of which are heavy or awkward. Back injuries from manual handling are among the most common injuries in this trade. Correct technique, mechanical aids and team lifts are the primary controls.
Dust Exposure
Cutting, grinding and mixing of materials generates dust that can cause respiratory conditions including silicosis, occupational asthma and COPD. RPE and dust suppression (wet cutting, local exhaust ventilation) must be specified in the RAMS.
Working at Height
Many bricklaying tasks require working above ground level. Any work above 2m requires a working at height plan. Ladders should only be used for short-duration, low-risk tasks.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Cluttered, wet and uneven surfaces are a constant risk. Good housekeeping, clear access routes and appropriate footwear are the main controls.
Plant and Vehicles
Material deliveries and site plant create strike risk. Segregated pedestrian routes and banksman procedures are essential when plant is operating nearby.
Control Hierarchy
- Eliminate — design out unnecessary manual lifting through pre-formed or modular components
- Substitute — use less hazardous materials or processes where available
- Engineer — dust extraction, mechanical lifting aids, edge protection at height
- Administrative — RAMS briefings, work sequencing, induction, supervision
- PPE — safety boots, hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, RPE for dusty tasks, hi-vis
PPE Requirements
| PPE Item | When Required |
|---|---|
| Hard hat | All site work |
| Safety boots (EN ISO 20345) | All site work |
| Hi-vis vest | Shared site areas |
| Work gloves | Material handling |
| Safety glasses | Cutting and drilling |
| RPE (FFP2 or P3) | Cutting or grinding dusty materials |
| Knee pads | Floor-level work |
RAMS Sign-off Workflow
- Trade supervisor prepares RAMS specific to the scope and site
- RAMS reviewed and approved by principal contractor
- Pre-task briefing delivered to all operatives with attendance signatures
- Work carried out in accordance with the RAMS
- Changes in conditions reviewed against RAMS before continuing
- All records stored in the project document file
Site Evidence Checklist
- RAMS prepared, reviewed and approved before work starts
- Pre-task briefing delivered with signed attendance records
- All operatives hold appropriate cards and certifications
- Plant and tools inspected before use
- Dust suppression measures in place before cutting starts
- Working at height plan in place where applicable
- Housekeeping maintained throughout
FAQs
Does every task need its own RAMS?
Routine low-risk tasks can be covered by a general task RAMS. However, tasks with specific elevated risks — working at height, confined spaces, hot works, work near live services — require dedicated risk assessments.
Who should brief workers on the RAMS?
The briefing should be delivered by the supervisor responsible for the work — they know the task and can answer site-specific questions. H&S managers can review and quality-check but should not replace the supervisor in delivering the briefing.
How long should RAMS records be kept?
For the full duration of the project plus at least three years. If an incident occurs, records may need to be retained considerably longer pending any legal proceedings.
Can we use a standard template RAMS for every site?
A template is a useful starting point. However, every RAMS must be adapted to the specific site conditions, hazards and work programme. Generic unadapted documents do not satisfy CDM 2015 or provide adequate protection.
What if conditions change after the RAMS is signed off?
Stop work, review the RAMS against the changed conditions, update it if necessary, re-brief all affected workers and obtain revised sign-off before resuming.