Brick Hod

By Neale Towart

A brick hod is a three-sided box or trough for carrying bricks or mortar. It has a long handle so it can be carried over the shoulder.

Hods were banned in NSW awards (the legal instrument governing working conditions and pay) from 1945. However their use continued because, as former builders’ labourer and historian Paul True put it, what was in the award is one thing and what went on at worksites another. The health and safety issues of carrying such loads up ladders and across planks were considerable, let alone long-term health effects.