Masonry Equipment Safety: Meeting New OSHA Standards with Smart Solutions

Words: Abigail SpungPhotos: EZG Manufacturing

Masonry work, involving cutting, grinding, drilling, and laying stone, brick, or concrete blocks, presents numerous safety hazards—many of which stem from improper equipment use or poor jobsite practices. With evolving Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, masonry contractors must stay updated on standards and implement practical solutions to protect workers and ensure compliance.

To offer expert guidance on how contractors can navigate the latest OSHA standards and enhance safety on the job site, we turned to Gregory D. Adams, EHS Director at Watertown Enterprises, and Steve Wheeler, Sales Manager at EZG Manufacturing. Their combined expertise sheds light on both the regulatory landscape and the equipment innovations that are helping contractors stay safe and compliant.

OSHA Standards Impacting Masonry Equipment Safety
One of the most significant updates affecting masonry work is the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard (29 CFR 1926.1153). This rule, updated in recent years, limits permissible exposure to silica dust—a common byproduct when cutting, grinding, and drilling masonry materials. OSHA now requires employers to implement engineering controls such as water-delivery systems or dust collection vacuums integrated with handheld or stationary masonry tools to help mitigate exposure.

"Compliance with the silica standard is no longer optional. It's critical to invest in tools that are equipped to handle the dust. This can make a huge difference in the health of your workers," says Gregory D. Adams, EHS Director at Watertown Enterprises.

In addition to the silica standard, OSHA enforces general equipment safety regulations under Subpart I (Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment) and Subpart K (Electrical). These regulations ensure that tools are properly grounded, equipped with guards, and maintained in optimal condition. Mishandling of equipment and failure to use appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) are common causes of injuries such as hand and eye injuries or electrical shocks.

"Electrical safety is key in the masonry trade. A minor lapse in maintenance or improper grounding can lead to major risks, including electrical shocks. You can’t afford to overlook these details," adds Gregory D. Adams.

In 2024, OSHA placed further emphasis on the safety of battery-powered and cordless tools. As these tools become more widespread, concerns have emerged about fire and explosion risks from lithium-ion batteries. OSHA now recommends comprehensive training on the proper charging, storage, and disposal of batteries to minimize these hazards.

Common Hazards with Masonry Equipment
Masonry job sites are rife with potential hazards, ranging from equipment malfunctions to physical strain caused by improper tool use. The most common hazards related to masonry equipment include:

Dust inhalation from dry-cut saws or grinders without dust suppression
Lacerations or amputations from unguarded saw blades or improperly used cutting tools
Trip and electrical hazards from cords or ungrounded equipment
Ergonomic injuries from repetitive motion or poorly maintained hand tools
Crush injuries from block-handling equipment or scaffolding collapse

Gregory D. Adams emphasizes the need for contractors to address these hazards proactively:

"Lacerations, hand injuries, and electrical shocks are still far too common in the industry. Ensuring that equipment is properly maintained, grounded, and guarded can go a long way toward preventing these kinds of accidents."

Contractors can also take proactive steps to reduce the risk of these common injuries. Ensuring that cutting tools have proper guards in place, using ergonomic equipment that minimizes physical strain, and providing workers with the right personal protective equipment (PPE) are all essential to a safer job site.

Solutions to Improve Masonry Equipment Safety
To help mitigate common job site hazards and improve overall safety, contractors can implement several practical solutions. These strategies, ranging from the adoption of safety-focused equipment to ongoing training and maintenance practices, not only ensure compliance with OSHA standards but also protect workers from unnecessary risks. Here are key steps that can make a significant difference:

Use Tools with Integrated Safety Features
Modern masonry equipment, including saws and grinders, now come equipped with vacuum attachments or wet-cutting functions that meet OSHA’s silica requirements. Ensuring your equipment is rated for dust suppression and is regularly inspected is key to maintaining safety.
Train Workers on OSHA Compliance and Tool Use
Training is essential—not only on basic tool use but also on OSHA standards, electrical safety, and PPE requirements. Workers must also be trained on emergency procedures and lockout/tagout protocols for powered equipment.
Provide the Right PPE
Ensure workers have the appropriate PPE for the job—this includes silica-rated respirators, cut-resistant gloves, face shields, safety glasses with side protection, and hearing protection. Regular maintenance of PPE is essential.
Implement a Maintenance Program
Regular inspections of masonry tools prevent malfunctions and extend their life. Ensure that guards are in place, cords are intact, and moving parts are lubricated and functioning.
Improve Jobsite Organization
Good housekeeping practices can prevent many injuries. Secure cords, create dedicated cutting zones, and use tool tethers to keep the jobsite safe and organized.

To further emphasize the importance of safety-focused design, Steve Wheeler, Sales Manager at EZG Manufacturing, shares how real-world feedback from job site foremen directly influenced the development of EZG equipment designed to improve safety on masonry job sites:

"At EZG, we’ve earned a reputation for designing tools that help mitigate common safety risks, such as fall protection and exposure to silica dust," Wheeler says. "For example, the HogGuard® Safety Rail was developed in collaboration with job site foremen to provide fall protection by blocking openings like door frames and window allowances, helping to ensure safety on scaffolding and in elevated work areas."

Another example of how equipment innovation contributes to job site safety is the EZG Mud Hog®, a trusted name in the industry. These mixers feature a hydraulic lift system that minimizes the need for manual lifting, reducing back strain and promoting better ergonomics for workers.

"Our Solid Grate Cover option for our mixers further enhances safety by controlling dust—allowing for proper material and water intake while reducing airborne particulates and improving overall air quality on the job site," Wheeler adds.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety Through Innovation
Masonry equipment safety is evolving with new OSHA rules and industry innovations. By embracing updated standards, especially those related to silica exposure—and implementing best practices in training, equipment maintenance, and PPE, employers can create safer job sites while reducing liability and boosting worker morale.

As Gregory D. Adams points out, staying proactive about safety isn't just about compliance—it's about investing in your workforce. "By prioritizing safety at every level—from training to equipment design—contractors not only meet legal requirements but also create a safer, more efficient job site that benefits everyone involved."

With continued innovation and a focus on equipment features that enhance safety, contractors can ensure their masonry operations remain compliant and, more importantly, that workers stay safe. By incorporating both regulatory requirements and innovative solutions, the masonry industry can pave the way toward a safer future.

Masonry Equipment Safety: Meeting New OSHA Standards with Smart Solutions

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