Masonry

What is Masonry?

Hadrian's Wall in the U.K. was built by the Romans 20 centuries ago.

The official definition for masonry, according to Merriam-Webster , is “something constructed of materials used by masons,” which is a little vague for what skilled masons do. Essentially, masonry principles are at work when blocks, bricks, stones, and other materials are used to create a structure or elements of a structure. Most times, the material is laid and bonded together with mortar to create strength and longevity for the structure.

Buildings that incorporate masonry can withstand earthquakes and fires, which is why so many of the significant landmarks we mentioned earlier have survived for so long. Since masonry does not rely on fabricating metal materials, it can be completed faster and often with fewer mistakes than other rival materials.

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Industry Overview

The U.S. NAICS industry code for Masonry Contractors is 238140. This coded number allows the government to classify all the sector's businesses' activities, helping workers and suppliers better understand the industry.According to IBISWorld, the masonry industry produces over $22 billion in economic activity each year, with over 85,000 masonry businesses operating in the U.S.

The demand for masonry is heavily reliant on the needs arising from residential construction. With the world's population increasing dramatically in the 20th century, there was a great need for residential homes that could be built quickly and relatively cheaply without exhausting local natural resources like forests. The demand for housing has continued into the 21st century and means that skilled masons are needed now more than ever. Even when new commercial and residential construction is experiencing slow growth, there is always a demand for additions, maintenance, and repair of current buildings, so a mason's work is never done.

Residential home made of bricks

You may wonder why we have aConcrete industry section too, as masonry is closely tied to concrete. We break them up into separate pages since masonry involves using many materials beyond concrete. Businesses that pour, build, and finish concrete foundations are classified under NAICS code 23811, a separate construction sub-industry. However, cement masons who use concrete will most likely find both pages advantageous when selecting personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Associations

Every industry typically has associations and establishments that promote all companies' general welfare and support workers operating in the industry. Here are two of the most recognized associations for masonry:

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the national trade association representing masons with industry standards, continuing education, and safety forums raising overall awareness. For safety topics, the association equips masons with an entire safety library for contractors to utilize.

The Masonry Institute of America is a technical and research organization improving masonry's utilization across the construction industry. They provide numerous masonry resources for contractors. Here are some:

Othermasonry associations include:

All masonry associations have one thing in common: keeping masons armed with the most relevant, up-to-date information possible to help them best perform their job. Many masons working in this industry look to these professional associations for answers.

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Employment and Occupations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are over 302,100 masonry workers in the U.S. These highly skilled craftsmen are often referred to as bricklayers, even though they may specialize in other material such as stone or cement.Most learn their craft through apprenticeships, technical school programs, or a combination of both.

Here is a look at the largest employers of masonry workers:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Masonry Workers

Most masons work in commercial and residential construction, over half, in fact. Out of all the masonry jobs mentioned above, more than 150,000 find employment in general masonry construction. Our next section provides a more detailed look at each type of masonry contractor.

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Types of Masonry Contractors

A mason's skill will never be replaced by any machine, at least not any time soon. Their craft requires superb color vision, precision in the placement of bricks, and strong hand-eye coordination.

Most masonry contractors are primarily responsible for making structures take permanent shape using bricks and stone. However, some are required to be even more detail-oriented and make those shapes look fantastic, with eye-catching artwork and terrazzo patterns. Here is a look at the various types of masons identified by the BLS:

Work Activities

What is masonry work? A mason's role in construction can be as straightforward as building a wall, or it can involve challenging problem-solving skills such as erecting a skyscraper. Regardless of the complexity involved, a mason constructs a building or structure one block or unit at a time.

For all the different masons mentioned above, each performs a wide range of activities. These activities include carrying heavy tools and equipment and handling abrasive material, all of which can injure their hands.

Here are some more activities performed by masons:

No matter what task a mason performs, you can be sure exposure to hazards occurs. We understand this, which is why we highlight some of the dangers created from these activities and suggest the PPE to keep masons protected. Before we explore PPE options, here is an overview of the tools commonly used by masons.

Each masonry trade requires specialization, and not all masons will perform every activity we highlighted above.However, all of them will use familiar tools to complete their projects.

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Products and Tools

Masons rely heavily on tools, as the process of bricklaying and stonelaying requires precise accuracy. Before the initial brick is set, masons are armed with a wide range of tools to complete construction projects. We’ll take a look at some of the more common tools used. We highlight these because many injuries workers suffer are caused by the tools they use on the job.

Here is a look at some of the most common masonry tools you'll find:

According to O*NET OnLine, 96% of masons polled said they spend time using their hands to control tools and to feel objects. MCR Safety provides masons with the protection they need to keep their hands shielded from hazards.

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Masonry Materials

What is the purpose of a tool if you have no material to use it on? Clay bricks and concrete blocks are two of the materials most often used by masons. However, masons work with all kinds of materials when constructing buildings and structures. Here are some of the common materials used in masonry construction:

No matter the task, the material, or the tools used, masons agree that a top concern on any job site is safety. PPE is required to help protect masons from the hazards they face on the job.

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Safety

Accidents and injuries are common across the construction industry, especially among masons, so keeping a watchful eye on the work environment is crucial. The Masonry Contractor industry ranks #7 out of 21 total construction sub-industries for injury incidents.

For every 100 people, there is an injury experienced by 3.5 masonry workers. Here are some other stats the BLS provides that masons should consider:

Due to the number of incidents that occur, most masonry companies will institute a contractor safety program.

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Masonry Contractor Safety Program

Masonry is a craft that involves inherent risks from muddy environments, dropped objects, and exposure to chemicals. Because of the hazards masons face, most companies will have a program to guide all workers involved in masonry activities and instruct them on safety protocol and PPE.

Here is an example from Alliance Masonry Corp . that addresses all relevant safety topics workers must be familiar with while operating at work. Established safety programs are essential, as they identify hazards where PPE is required. Here are some examples of the hazards faced by masons:

Masonry work is strenuous and challenging; however, risks can be mitigated. Before we move on to the PPE required by masons, here are some other helpful online resources regarding safety:

With all the masonry safety information and hazard information we've equipped you with, you're now ready to start considering the PPE options available to masons.

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Masonry PPE

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. ~ David Brinkley

Laying bricks is no easy task, but hopefully we have shed a little light on how vital masons are in construction. Now, let's illuminate what types of protection masons require. To combat potential injuries masons may suffer, they look to MCR Safety to protect them with high-quality PPE. Here is a broad list of various PPE that MCR Safety supplies to help masons avoid injury:

• Face shields

• Goggles

• Hi-vis clothing

• Steel toe boots

• Safety glasses

• Work gloves – cut, chemical, impact.

If you prefer to return to the main Construction home page, click the image below. From the home page, you'll be able to access any of the numerous construction industries we cover. If you would prefer to check out some of masonry’s specific trade hazards, please continue reading below the Construction page image.

MCR Safety's dedicated Construction industry resource page.