10/18/2006

On September 19, a drywall installer in Riverside was killed while trimming sheetrock--his knife slipped and cut his neck. The fatality highlights the hazards that face drywall installers--workers who perform one of the last jobs in the completion of new construction.

Drywall installers face a number of serious hazards, including:

• Back injuries. Drywall sheets can be heavy and awkward to maneuver. Working in pairs can minimize the risk of injury. Also, completing one area at a time (instead of one work task, e.g., hanging drywall, at a time) can reduce the amount of repetition involved; this also reduces the chance of injury.

• Arm and hand injuries. Seam taping and sanding can involve high levels of force, especially on overhead surfaces. This can lead to arm and hand injuries. Using power-assisted or spring-loaded tools can minimize this risk.

• Falls. When working at elevation, drywall installers should use a stable work surface, such as a ladder or a properly constructed scaffold. Stilts; unstable scaffolds; nailed brackets; stacked tile, bricks, or blocks; and other unstable surfaces should not be used. Fall protection may be needed.

• Eye injuries and respiratory irritation. The dust that is generated when drywall is cut, when joint compounds are mixed, or when joints are sanded, can cause eye injuries or respiratory irritation. Ventilation, safe work practices, and protective equipment (safety glasses and respirators) can reduce exposure to these hazards.

• Electrocution. Interior wall wiring and electrical boxes pose a hazard to drywall installers. Workers must make sure their power tools are properly grounded and in good working order, and that electrical boxes are properly shielded.

• Hand tool injuries. All hand tools, especially cutting tools, should be in good working order and used properly.

Additional Resources:

Federal OSHA's Topic Page on Residential Construction Safety

More articles on Construction Safety

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