How We Ensure On-Site Safety in Masonry Projects Across Greater Boston

By John Screen, President of JMS Masonry & Restoration

February 11, 2026

From historic masonry restoration in Boston’s dense urban neighborhoods to foundation repair and waterproofing in schools and multi-unit properties, we follow OSHA standards, implement silica dust controls, enforce fall protection, and maintain clear communication with property managers. Our Health & Safety Officer, Keith Baker, oversees compliance and site audits to ensure that every project protects workers, residents, and the public.

TL;DR: JMS Masonry protects people, property, and history by following OSHA standards, assigning a dedicated Health & Safety Officer, using job-specific hazard plans, and maintaining strict fall protection, silica control, and site containment procedures.

Following OSHA Construction Safety Standards

Safety on our jobsites begins with compliance. All masonry and restoration work is performed in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction standards (29 CFR 1926), which govern fall protection, scaffolding, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, and more.

Before any project begins, we walk the property, identify potential risks, and map out how the job will flow. In Boston especially, planning matters.

We look at:

• Pedestrian traffic

• Access points and emergency exits

• Where materials will be stored

• How debris will be contained

This upfront planning helps prevent surprises and keeps the job organized from day one.

Controlling Silica Dust and Airborne Hazards

Masonry work can be messy, especially during grinding, cutting, or repointing. But just because it’s messy doesn’t mean it’s unsafe.

On our projects, we:

• Use wet-cutting techniques when applicable

• Deploy HEPA-filtered vacuum systems

• Establish controlled work zones

On apartment buildings and schools, this is especially important. We treat every site as if people are living or working there… because most of the time, they are.

Fall Protection and Scaffold Safety

Fall hazards are one of the leading risks in construction. OSHA identifies falls as a primary cause of construction fatalities (OSHA Fall Prevention Campaign). That’s why scaffold setup, guardrails, tie-offs, and ladder safety are inspected daily on our sites.

Our crews use properly erected scaffolding that meets OSHA Subpart L requirements (OSHA Scaffolding Standard 1926.451). For historic masonry restoration in Boston’s brownstones and multi-story buildings, this is especially critical due to tight sidewalks and pedestrian traffic.

You may not notice these details from the ground, which is exactly the point. When safety’s done right, it looks calm and controlled.

Our Dedicated Health & Safety Officer, Keith Baker

Every JMS Masonry project benefits from oversight by our Health & Safety Officer, Keith Baker.

His role includes things like:

• Conducting jobsite audits

• Verifying OSHA compliance

• Ensuring PPE usage

• Reviewing incident prevention plans

Having designated safety oversight strengthens accountability and ensures standards are applied consistently across projects. As a firefighter, he’s no stranger to emergency preparedness. We’re glad to have him on the team!

Protect Residents, Pedestrians, and Surrounding Property

Masonry work in Greater Boston often takes place in occupied apartment buildings, condominiums, and school facilities, which means safety extends beyond our crew.

We implement:

• Site fencing and barricades

• Debris netting and overhead protection

• Clearly marked access pathways

• Daily housekeeping protocols

Read more about how we plan masonry work around tenants.

Clear & Early Communication

Safety is strongest when everyone understands the plan.

Before we do anything to your building, we review:

• Work zones and restricted areas

• Noise and dust control measures

• Project schedule and access needs

We provide clear points of contact and respond quickly if concerns arise. This proactive communication helps facilities managers maintain safe building operations during construction.

We Take Safety Seriously at JMS Masonry

At JMS Masonry & Restoration, safety is built into our workflow. From historic brick restoration to foundation repair and waterproofing, our goal is simple: complete high-quality work while protecting people and property!

If you manage a building in Greater Boston and need a masonry contractor that prioritizes safety and compliance, contact us for a free estimate.