- Use mechanical aids such as block grabs and paving carts to reduce manual lifting
- Wear knee pads throughout the laying process to protect against knee damage
- Use water suppression or extraction when cutting blocks to control silica dust
- Wear RPE and eye protection during all block cutting operations
- Manage vibration exposure by rotating tasks and limiting compactor use times
- Set up traffic management where block paving takes place near live roads
- Brief delivery drivers on safe unloading areas and ground conditions on site
- Take regular breaks from kneeling and bending to rest muscles and joints
- Inspect disc cutters and block splitters before use each day
- Keep the work area tidy — stacked blocks and loose sand create trip hazards
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- DON'T lift full paving blocks manually without assessing the weight and method
- DON'T cut blocks without dust suppression, RPE, and hearing protection
- DON'T kneel directly on hard sub-base without knee pads or kneeling mats
- DON'T exceed the daily vibration exposure limit when using plate compactors
- DON'T allow pedestrians into the compaction zone while the roller is operating
- DON'T stack block pallets on soft or uneven ground where they could topple
- DON'T use a disc cutter with a damaged blade or missing guard
- DON'T work in the path of delivery vehicles during unloading operations
- DON'T ignore pain in knees, back, or hands — report it early
- DON'T leave loose blocks or sand in walkways where people could trip
See also: Paving and Slab Laying | Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
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