Masonry JHA: job hazard analysis example and generator

A masonry JHA starts with setting up the limited access zone and handling materials. It then covers masonry scaffolds, cutting block and brick (a silica hazard), laying and bracing walls, power tools and cleanup. The references are 1926.706 in Subpart Q, Subpart L for scaffolds and 1926.1153 for silica.

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Draft only. Every JHA is a draft and must be reviewed by a competent person for the specific site before work begins. JHABox is not affiliated with OSHA or the US Department of Labor.

General contractors (GCs) list masonry among the tasks that need a written JSA (job safety analysis). The two items they look for are the limited access zone and the wall bracing plan.

Common masonry hazards

Wall collapse onto workers
Falls from masonry scaffolds
Silica dust when cutting block
Back injuries from lifting block
Cement burns from mortar

Sample masonry hazard table

Sample from the JHABox masonry library. Example task: “8-inch concrete block (CMU) wall, 12 ft high, cut block on site” at a Florida address. Showing 5 of 9 steps.

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Swipe sideways to see the full table.

#	Job step	Potential hazards	Risk before controls	Controls	Risk after controls	29 CFR reference
1	Set up the limited access zone	Wall collapse onto workers or the public	HHigh	Establish a limited access zone before construction: wall height plus 4 ft, full length, on the unscaffolded side Only masons actively building the wall may enter	MMedium	1926.706(a) 1926.706(a)(2)
2	Material handling: block, brick and mortar	Back and hand injuries lifting block Struck by forklift or telehandler Cement burns from mortar	HHigh	Stage pallets close to the work; team lifts; rotate tasks Spotter for forklift moves; keep clear of loads Gloves and eye protection when mixing mortar	LLow	1926.21(b)(2) 1926.95(a) 1926.102(a)(1)
3	Erect and work from masonry scaffold	Falls from scaffold Overloaded platforms (block stockpiles) Falling materials	HHigh	Fully planked platforms; guardrails or PFAS above 10 ft Competent person inspects before each shift Do not exceed rated load when stocking block	MMedium	1926.451(b)(1) 1926.451(g)(1) 1926.451(f)(3) 1926.451(f)(1)
4	Cutting block and brick (silica)	Respirable crystalline silica dust Blade contact and kickback Noise	HHigh	Use the Table 1 control (wet cutting / integrated water); respirator where Table 1 requires Masonry saw blade guard in place Hearing and eye protection	MMedium	1926.1153(c)(1) 1926.702(i) 1926.101(a) 1926.102(a)(1)
5	Lay walls and brace	Wind collapse of unbraced walls (Florida storms) Wall overturning before grout cures	HHigh	Brace walls over 8 ft until permanent support is in place Monitor wind; clear the limited access zone in high winds	MMedium	1926.706(b)

Risk = Severity × Likelihood on a 3×3 matrix (1–2 Low, 3–4 Medium, 6–9 High). Citations link to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).

Relevant 29 CFR 1926 subparts

QSubpart Q: Concrete and Masonry Construction1926.700–1926.706 LSubpart L: Scaffolds (including aerial lifts)1926.450–1926.454 ZSubpart Z: Toxic and Hazardous Substancesincludes 1926.1101 (asbestos) and 1926.1153 (silica)ISubpart I: Tools – Hand and Power1926.300–1926.307

Key paragraphs we cite

1926.706(a)Limited access zone whenever a masonry wall is being built
1926.706(b)Brace walls over 8 ft until permanently supported
1926.1153(c)(1)OSHA Table 1 controls for cutting with masonry saws
1926.451(f)(3)A competent person (someone who can identify the hazards and is authorized to correct them) inspects the scaffold before each shift

Checked against the eCFR (Title 29, as amended through October 14, 2026). Confirm the current text, and any state plan rules that apply to your site.

Florida job sites

Florida: block walls and storm winds

Florida builds a lot of concrete masonry unit (CMU) block walls, and an unbraced wall in a summer squall is a collapse risk. JHABox masonry drafts include a wind-monitoring control and a rule to clear the limited access zone in high winds.

Masonry JHA FAQ

Does OSHA require a written masonry JHA?

Federal OSHA has no construction standard that requires a document called a “JHA” (job hazard analysis). You still have to meet the specific 29 CFR 1926 standards for the work and run the accident-prevention program in 1926.20(b). General contractors (GCs), owners, and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) often require one. USACE calls it an Activity Hazard Analysis.

How big is a masonry limited access zone?

Under 1926.706(a)(2), the limited access zone equals the height of the wall to be built plus four feet, and runs the entire length of the wall, on the side without the scaffold.

Can I hand this straight to my general contractor?

Not without review. Every JHABox document is a draft. A competent person (someone who can identify the hazards and is authorized to correct them) has to check it for that site, adjust it to real conditions, and sign it before work starts. JHABox is not affiliated with OSHA.

Is the Spanish version included?

Yes. Pick Spanish on the build form and the whole document comes out in Spanish, including the hazard table, personal protective equipment (PPE) list, and crew sign-off sheet. A paid document includes both languages.

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