Safety isn’t just a box to tick. It’s part of the everyday culture that keeps teams working well and jobs running smoothly. As we head into 2025, the UK construction industry is changing with new rules, better safety systems, and more focus on looking after people. At J Walker Brickwork, we believe that whether you’re on the tools or running the site, staying on top of health and safety is a must.

Staying Compliant: 2025 HSE Updates

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has raised the bar again this year, especially for trades like bricklaying where the risks are higher. In 2025, it’s not just about having the right paperwork on file. Inspectors want to see that health and safety is being put into practice on site. That means showing you’re managing risks as they come up, involving the team in how things are done, and making sure all your safety documentation is up to date and easy to access.

Here are the main areas they’re paying close attention to:

• Risk assessments should match what’s actually happening on site. If things change, your plans should too.
• Team involvement is key. It’s not just about telling people what to do, your crew should be part of the safety conversation.
• Proper record keeping is now expected across the board. RAMS, COSHH assessments, and training logs all need to be current and ready to show.

If you’re not keeping up, you risk delays, fines, or unwanted attention from the HSE. But if you’re on the ball, it shows you run a site that’s professional, well managed, and safe to work on.

Dust, PPE & Respiratory Protection

Silica dust is still one of the biggest dangers in bricklaying. It might not seem like much day to day but breathing it in overtime can cause serious health problems. In 2025, it is no longer enough to hand out a mask and hope for the best. Health and safety checks are getting stricter, and inspectors want to see that the right controls are in place and actually being used.

Here are three things every site should be doing:

• Use the right tools. Cutting gear should have dust control built in. That means using water-fed tools or ones with proper extraction where possible.
• Make sure masks fit properly. Face fit testing is now something inspectors are checking more often. If a mask does not seal right, it is not doing the job.
• Check your gear frequently. Supervisors should be making sure all safety kit is in good shape. That includes masks, gloves, goggles and anything else being used. A frequent check and a record goes a long way.

Looking after your lungs is just as important as watching your step. Controlling dust properly shows you care about your team, and you run a tidy, safe site.

Scaffolding: More Than Just a Platform

Scaffolding is still one of the first things inspectors look at when they step onto a site, and for good reason. If the scaffold is a mess, it raises questions about everything else. In 2025, the rules and expectations around scaffold safety have tightened up, and it is important that every site follows the latest guidance.

Here is what should be in place on every job:

• Use proper scaffolders. Only workers with CISRS cards should be putting up or changing scaffolding. No shortcuts.
• Keep up with inspections. Scaffolds must be checked and logged every seven days, and again after any bad weather.
• Make sure edge protection is solid. Toe boards, guardrails and safe access ladders are not extras. They should be part of every setup from day one.

A safe scaffold keeps your team protected and your site running smoothly. Keeping it tidy, secure and properly inspected also shows that the job is being managed right.

Site Culture: Toolbox Talks, Supervision & Mental Health

A safe site is not just about equipment and paperwork. It’s also about having the right mindset and building good habits into the daily routine. When the culture on site is strong, everything else tends to follow.

There are a few things that help set the tone:

• Toolbox talks work best when they’re short and clear. Doing them daily keeps safety front of mind. They tend to land better when led by someone on the tools rather than just passed down from management.
• Supervisors play a big part in shaping site culture. It’s not just about enforcing the rules. It’s also about leading by example and helping new starters settle in and do things the right way.
• Looking out for each other goes a long way. Whether it’s a quick check in with a mate or spotting when someone seems off, keeping a good atmosphere on site makes a real difference.

At the end of the day, a strong team and a solid routine help keep the job safe, steady and on track.

Inspection Ready: Supervisor Tips for 2025

When it comes to site inspections, supervisors are often the first people the HSE will speak to. Being ready and switched on makes all the difference. It shows the job is being run properly and helps avoid any delays or unwanted attention.

Here are a few simple ways to stay prepared:

• Keep a daily log. Make quick notes on weather, briefings, checks and any issues that come up. It shows you are on top of things.
• Know your RAMS and safety plans. You should be able to explain the main risks and how they are being managed without having to dig through folders.
• Lead by example. Wearing the right PPE, keeping walkways clear and keeping up with checks all help set the standard on site.
• Use tech where it helps. There are plenty of apps and systems now that make it easier to log inspections, track PPE and manage paperwork.

Being inspection ready is not about putting on a show. It is about running a site that is safe, organised and ready to keep moving without hold ups.

Final Word

Health and safety in brickwork is always changing, just like the jobs we work on. New rules, better ways of working and higher standards mean we all need to stay sharp. At J Walker Brickwork, we believe that getting the basics right, day in and day out, is what keeps people safe and the job running smoothly.

Whether you are on the tools or running the site, take pride in how you work and help build a site everyone feels safe to be part of.