Write a toolbox talk on Correct settles set up for bricklayers straight ground no blocks or bricks

For bricklayers using trestles and staging, the setup must be on straight, level, solid ground and never on loose materials or improvised packing. Do not place blocks, bricks, scrap timber, or other makeshift supports under trestles, staging, planks, or access equipment. The supporting surface must be able to bear the full intended load of workers, bricks, mortar, tools, and any stored materials without settlement, movement, or collapse. OSHA-oriented scaffold guidance in the source material stresses that the scaffold must be level using screw jacks on base plates and mudsills, and access ladders must be provided; where platforms are 10 feet or more above the ground, guardrails and toeboards are required. Good footing and solid support are also reinforced in ladder and power-saw guidance requiring equipment to be set on a level, solid, firm surface and work to be done only with solid footing. [2] [12] [11]

• Before erection, inspect the ground: it must be level, compact, dry where possible, and not undermined, soft, recently backfilled, or liable to washout.
• Use only the manufacturer-intended legs, frames, screw jacks, base plates, mudsills, and staging components. Never gain height by standing trestles on bricks, blocks, buckets, pallets, or stacked materials.
• Fully deck the working platform with suitable staging boards/planks, secured against movement, with gaps minimized and trip edges controlled.
• Keep the platform load within its safe working load. Spread bricks and mortar evenly; do not stockpile excessive materials in one bay or at one end.
• Provide safe access onto the platform; do not climb cross-bracing or improvised routes.
• Where there is a fall risk, install edge protection such as guardrails and toeboards, or use another effective fall-prevention method appropriate to the task and height.
• Keep the area around the trestles clear of debris, cords, hoses, loose bricks, and waste so legs bear properly and workers do not trip while mounting, working, or stepping down.
• Stop work immediately if the staging rocks, settles, leans, sinks, or if any component is bent, cracked, split, missing, or altered.

[2] [14] [9] A safe system of work for bricklaying on trestles/staging should include planning the task, selecting the right equipment, checking the ground condition, controlling loading, and assigning competent supervision. Workers should confirm before starting: are the conditions safe, are the methods safe, does everyone know what to do, and can anyone fall, be struck, get caught between, or be exposed to other site hazards. Supervisors must ensure workers are trained, hazards are evaluated, safe procedures are followed, and unsafe equipment is removed from service. If hazards cannot be eliminated, special work procedures must be developed before work continues. [10] [5]

Manual handling for bricks, blocks, mortar boards, and staging components:

• Stage materials as close as possible to the point of use to reduce carrying distances.
• Plan lifts and make sure the route is clear, well lit, and free from trip hazards before moving materials.
• Do not overexert. Use team lifting or mechanical aids for heavy, bulky, or awkward loads.
• Keep the load close to the body, bend the knees, keep the back straight, lift smoothly, and avoid twisting while carrying.
• Do not carry loads that block your vision or affect balance while stepping onto or off staging.
• One person should coordinate any team lift.

[8] [4] [1] Fall prevention is critical because bricklayers often work from narrow platforms while handling materials. Keep platforms fully usable and uncluttered, provide safe access, and prevent overreaching. Workers should maintain balance, keep their center of gravity within the platform, and never improvise extra height by standing on bricks or materials placed on the staging. Where work is adjacent to openings, edges, stairwells, or where a person could fall from height, use guardrails, toeboards, and any additional controls required by the site risk assessment and applicable work-at-height rules. Good housekeeping is part of fall prevention because debris, cords, and loose materials create slip and trip hazards that can lead directly to falls from staging. [2] [6] [12]

Inspection and supervision requirements should be built into the job. Inspect trestles, staging boards, braces, feet, locking devices, access equipment, and the supporting ground before each shift, after alteration, after impact, and after weather that could affect stability. Check for bent frames, split planks, missing pins, damaged feet, contamination that could cause slips, and any sign of settlement or movement. Supervisors should verify that the correct equipment is being used, workers understand the safe setup, loading limits are respected, and housekeeping is maintained throughout the day. Any defective or unsafe equipment must be tagged out and removed from service. [12] [14] [5]

Construction site safety requirements around the staging area include maintaining clear walkways, good lighting, suitable PPE, and exclusion of other trades or plant where they could strike the staging or workers. Keep the base area free of stored materials so the legs remain visible and unobstructed. If mobile plant or deliveries operate nearby, segregate the work area and keep people clear while loads are being moved. Workers should wear suitable footwear with traction and support, and use eye, head, hand, and high-visibility protection as required by the site rules and task hazards. [3] [13] [7]

In terms of compliance, the key expectation under work-at-height rules and OSHA/construction safety guidance is that work platforms are properly planned, erected on a stable load-bearing surface, accessed safely, protected against falls where required, kept level, not overloaded, and used only as designed. Improvised supports under trestles or staging are unsafe because they defeat the intended load path and can shift or crush without warning. Employers must provide a safety program, evaluate hazards, ensure training and supervision, and maintain compliance with applicable regulations on an ongoing basis. Workers must follow procedures, use the right equipment, maintain housekeeping, and refuse work that presents uncontrolled danger. [5] [2] [10]

• Set trestles and staging only on level, firm, load-bearing ground.
• Never use bricks, blocks, pallets, or scrap timber to pack up or level equipment.
• Use proper base plates, mudsills, and adjustment devices designed for the system.
• Provide safe access and fall protection where required.
• Do not overload platforms; distribute bricks and mortar evenly.
• Keep platforms and surrounding areas clean, dry, and clear.
• Use safe lifting methods and mechanical aids where possible.
• Inspect before use and stop work if anything moves, sinks, or is damaged.
• Ensure competent supervision and follow site procedures and OSHA/work-at-height requirements.

[2] [14] [4]