Wood framing is an integral part of the home building process, and one job that many general contractors take on themselves. But even with familiarity of the task, specific safety precautions should be followed during framing.

To help keep workers safe during a pivotal part of the home building process, NAHB has a wood framing safety video toolbox talk with suggestions for your official safety policies.

Residential wood framing exposes workers to several potential hazards such as falls, power tools, flammable materials and performing repetitive tasks. There are risks associated with working on exterior and interior framing.

Common injuries during framing include:

• Head injuries from dropped tools or equipment
• Fall injuries
• Electrocutions
• Lacerations and punctures
• Eye injuries from flying material
• Back strains during lifting and moving material
• Hearing loss

These injuries are entirely avoidable with the proper training, equipment and oversight. Safe work practices for framing include:

• Using proper protective equipment, such as hard hats, eye protection and work boots.
• Using a personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) consisting of an anchor point, a full body harness, and a lifeline, such as a rope grab, self-retracting lifeline (SRL) or lanyard that links the harness to the anchor.
• Setting up extension ladders at a 4:1 ratio on a stable, level surface and extend ladders three feet above the landing surface to ensure safe access.
• Equipping power tools with safety devices, such as guards, and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

For more tips and best practices for wood framing, watch the video below. Visit the Wood Framing Safety video toolbox page for a Spanish version of the video and to download a one-page handout in English and Spanish.