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Bricklaying Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe the brickwork job — new build, extension, height of the wall, access arrangements. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant bricklaying risk assessment covering manual handling, working at height, silica dust and all relevant regulations in minutes.
Used by self-employed bricklayers, brickwork subcontractors and general builders across the UK
🧱 Building above first lift height or off scaffolding? Mention it — we'll include working at height controls, edge protection and loading gap procedures required under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Legal requirements for bricklayers
Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer and self-employed bricklayer must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to health and safety arising from their work. On construction sites, this sits alongside the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which require contractors to plan, manage and monitor their own work to control risk to themselves and others.
Bricklaying carries specific legal duties around manual handling, working at height and dust exposure. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid, assess and reduce risks from lifting bricks, blocks and mortar. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply whenever work takes place from scaffolding, trestles or podium steps, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) apply to respirable crystalline silica generated when cutting brick, block and masonry.
HSE data consistently shows that musculoskeletal disorders and falls from height are among the leading causes of injury and ill health in the construction trades. A written risk assessment is expected by principal contractors before a bricklayer is allowed on site, and is often required by public liability insurers to validate cover.
How it works
1. Describe the job
Tell us the type of brickwork — new build, extension, garden wall, boundary wall — the height involved, access arrangements and whether cutting or mixing takes place on site. If you work alone, mention it and lone working controls will be included.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant bricklaying risk assessment referencing the relevant construction and manual handling regulations.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Hand it to your principal contractor, use it for site induction, or file it for insurance purposes. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every bricklaying risk assessment is written in full — covering all trade-specific and site hazards relevant to your job.
Manual handling of bricks, blocks, mortar and lintels
Working at height on scaffolding, trestles and podium steps
Falling objects and edge protection on elevated platforms
Respirable crystalline silica from cutting brick and block
Cement and mortar burns — skin and eye contact
Noise from cutting, grinding and mixing equipment
Musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive bending and lifting
Use of mixers, cut-off saws and hand-held power tools
Slips, trips and falls on uneven or muddy ground
Weather exposure — cold, wet and hot working conditions
Vehicle and plant movement on site
Housekeeping — brick stacking, waste and material storage
Lone working on small domestic jobs
CDM 2015 duties for contractors and self-employed trades
Works for
From garden walls to multi-storey blockwork, Anyrisks covers every type of brickwork job.
What customers say
"I'm on a different site every few weeks. Anyrisks gives me a proper risk assessment for site induction in two minutes instead of digging out an old Word doc and hoping it fits."
Dave Marsh
Self-employed bricklayer, Manchester
"We do a lot of first and second lift brickwork off scaffolding. It covered edge protection, loading gaps and silica dust from cutting — exactly what our principal contractor asks for."
Karen Docherty
Brickwork subcontractor, Glasgow
"My public liability insurer asked for a written assessment before renewing my policy. This sorted it in minutes and it reads like something a consultant would charge hundreds for."
Tomasz Nowak
Sole trader bricklayer, Leeds
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005 controls included | ✓ | ✗ |
| COSHH silica dust controls included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Tailored to domestic and commercial brickwork | ✓ | ✗ |
| CDM 2015 duties addressed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Does a sole trader bricklayer need a written risk assessment?
Yes — under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer and self-employed person must carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the work they do. Most principal contractors and site managers will not allow a bricklayer on site without one, and it is also required by most trade insurers.
Will it cover manual handling of blocks and bricks?
Yes — manual handling is one of the biggest causes of injury in bricklaying. The assessment covers lifting and carrying bricks, blocks and mortar in line with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, including team lifting and mechanical aids where relevant.
Does it cover working at height on scaffolding or platforms?
Yes — describe whether you will be working from scaffolding, tower scaffolds, podium steps or trestles and the assessment will reference the Work at Height Regulations 2005 with controls specific to bricklaying, such as loading gaps and edge protection.
Is silica dust from cutting brick and block covered?
Yes — cutting brick, block and mortar joints creates respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. The assessment covers this under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), including on-tool extraction, water suppression and RPE.
Can it be used for a domestic extension as well as a commercial build?
Yes — describe the job type, whether it is a domestic extension, new build or commercial project, and the assessment will be tailored to the specific site conditions and access arrangements.
Will it be accepted by principal contractors and site managers?
Anyrisks produces a fully written, regulation-referenced risk assessment in the standard format expected by principal contractors, site managers and building control. It is accepted for CDM documentation and site inductions across the UK.
Does it cover cement burns and skin contact with mortar?
Yes — wet cement and mortar are corrosive to skin and a recognised cause of dermatitis and burns among bricklayers. The assessment includes PPE requirements and skin protection measures under COSHH.
How long does it take to generate?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the brickwork job and Anyrisks produces a complete, regulation-referenced bricklaying risk assessment instantly, ready to download as PDF and Word.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Risk Assessment · Do I Need a Risk Assessment · Risk Assessment Legal Requirements · Risk Assessment Generator