• 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

• 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)