Safety Talk

Drywall sheets are made from a variety of materials and can easily weigh between 50 to 120 pounds (23 to 54 kilograms).  Workers who install drywall are at risk for falls, back injuries, muscle strains and respiratory exposure to dust.

What’s at Stake?

Drywall installers face the following hazards: Exposure to dust Drywall joint compound commonly contains silica, talc, mica, and gypsum.  These substances have been attributed to varying degrees of respiratory tract irritation. Breathing the dust from drywall joint compounds can cause breathing difficulties similar to asthma, as well as persistent throat irritation, coughing, and phlegm production.   When silica is present in […]