Who Knows Most About Keeping Masonry Workers Safe?

Words: Bill Parsons
Photo Credit: 


As a safety professional who has specialized largely in masonry safety since the late 1980s, I’ve grown to think that I know a great deal about keeping masonry workers safe.  That being said, I must admit that my colleagues and I know more about compliance and enforcement than we do about the day-to-day practices that keep workers safe.   I would argue that safety professionals, safety consultants, insurance representatives and OSHA compliance officers truly know less about preventing workplace injuries and illnesses than masonry crews on a site.  

Why would a lifelong safety professional dream of admitting such a thing?

There are many phases and jobs in masonry work each with their unique potential hazards and exposures. Without doubt, building a sound structure and protecting the well-being of workers is of utmost importance.

The masonry crew know best the hazards that they are or can be exposed to on the job. Typical safety professionals spend little time on a job site. They can readily quote you the standard requirements but when it comes to the nitty gritty on working safely, it’s all truly up to the workers tasked with performing the work.  Workers are on the job day after day and are intimately aware of the activities and associated hazards.  A good safety professional can tell you what you’re doing wrong but can’t necessarily tell you the most effective way to accomplish the task safely.  Often safety professionals will throw expense out the window and offer the easiest, not necessarily the least expensive effective solution to performing a given task safely.  A good masonry crew knows that work needs to be performed safely but also within budgetary constraints.

An example would be:
Masonry crews know best which personal protective equipment will be used to while performing work.  Workers must wear the appropriate PPE such as hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, and steel-toed boots to protect themselves from falling debris, sharp objects, and other hazards.  The question becomes…which product is best for the job?  Also consider, the best for the job might not be the best for the worker.  The bottom line when it comes to personal protective equipment is compliance AND comfort.  If the worker is burdened with personal protective equipment that isn’t comfortable, they won’t wear it.  Ask them which PPE they prefer.

The same holds true for fall protection. Workers must use fall protection equipment such as harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets when working at heights to prevent falls.  Unfortunately, if the fall protection isn’t comfortable or creates a greater hazard, well, it won’t be used.

When it comes to scaffolding and ladders, properly constructed and maintained scaffolding (and erected ladders) must be used to provide a safe working platform or access for workers. Workers must be trained on ladder use, erection, use and disassembly of scaffolding. A safety professional can tell you what is required for each of those phases but not necessarily how to meet the intent of the applicable safety standards in a way that is palatable to a masonry crew. 

Who best decides the safest way for a worker to lift.  Although identified rules may speak to a straight back, bending at the hips to prevent back injuries, this isn’t always the best approach.  Workers will demonstrate what works best for them.  

I’m certainly not implying that a safety professional isn’t worth their weight in gold when it comes to keeping a site or company on track.  A good safety professional can advise a site team on compliance requirements and sound practices.  A well-seasoned masonry crew can be of more value to himself/herself and their employer once they realize that no one can protect them better than they can protect themselves. By ensuring that safety is a top priority good masons and helpers not only protect themselves but guarantee the success of a project.  A mason team focusing on self-care, compliance and productivity can ensure a safe and healthful workplace.

So, the question then becomes…how do masons and helpers get to the point where they are the best source of their personal safety and safety rule compliance?  Ultimately, the value of a good mason/helper lies in their ability to complete projects safely, professionally, maintaining a positive work environment and uphold the reputation of the craft.  A safe mason is not only skilled professional but also a responsible team member who prioritizes the well-being of themselves and others on the project.  Workers have a personal stake in their safety and as such are highly valued in protecting themselves, their coworkers and company assets.  Company owners and managers must share the responsibility for safety with job site crews every day.  Have them assist with training, job site audits, tool box talks and self enforcement.  Their involvement will guarantee a higher level of buy-in regarding site safety and ensure greater safety and health compliance.


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