{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Solutions for your business Contracts Online Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Industrial relations
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Maintaining safe masonry walls in construction work

Masonry structures need to be adequately stabilised to prevent collapse during construction, renovation or demolition.

The collapse of masonry structures during construction has sometimes resulted in death and serious injury. This has occurred when the structure has lacked the support usually afforded by the complete cured product or by other supporting building components.

Injuries and fatalities from the uncontrolled collapse of masonry structures have also occurred during renovation and demolition work. 

How to prevent injury

The following will assist in reducing the possibility of an uncontrolled collapse of masonry walls injuring workers or members of the public: 

  • Masonry walls should be designed to gain stability from other structural components such as walls, piers, roof framework or other sections of the final structure. 
  • If supporting structures are yet to be installed, or are incomplete, or if the wall is freestanding, install adequate temporary bracing designed to ensure the wall can remain stable and able to resist the effects of extreme weather conditions.    
  • If the installation of temporary bracing is not possible, close off the danger area to prevent entry until the mortar reaches full strength. 
  • Before commencing renovation or demolition work near masonry structures, assess the current stability of the structure and the effect that the works will have on its stability. Arrange for any temporary support needed and/or exclusion zones to prevent injury. 

Your local State or Territory workplace health and safety authority may have specific guidance and requirements in relation to temporary bracing during construction of masonry walls and other structures. Make sure to seek this information from their website:

To find out more, contact HIA's Building Services team.

Email us

Share with your network:
More articles on:
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!

Managing your safety topics


 

Can’t find what you need, check out other resources that might be closer to the mark.

NSW Site Sign - Warning Asbestos Containing Material

Erect this 600x450mm warning sign at your construction-site to show that asbestos materials are present and that a licenced asbestos removalist is man...

QLD Site Sign - Warning Asbestos Containing Material

Erect this 600x450mm warning sign at your construction-site to show that asbestos materials are present and that a licenced asbestos removalist is man...

TAS Large Site Multisign - 8 In 1 Safety Sign

This large 8-in-1 multi-sign warns of potential hazards on your construction-site.

WA Site Sign - Asbestos Removal in Progress

Show that asbestos materials are present and that a licenced asbestos removalist is managing its removal with this 600x450mm warning sign at your cons...