A framework of task demand factors for residential framing

In the USA, framing contractors consistently have the highest rate of non-fatal injuries of all speciality contractors. Residential framing contractors face additional challenges, partly due to the exception of ‘residential type’ activities from fall protection regulations. This study investigated residential framing accidents with a focus on the task features that affect the task difficulty of the residential framing activities and consequently the likelihood of errors and accidents. The study analysed 654 safety incidents that occurred over a period of 5 years 6 months in a large residential framing company. Accident analysis and interviews with safety and production experts identified the high-risk tasks, the errors that lead to incidents and the task elements that increase the likelihood of errors. The study identified five task factors that increase the task difficulty of residential framing activities and consequently the likelihood of accidents: (a) support conditions; (b) body posture constraints; (c) load-handling requirements; (d) tool accuracy requirements; and (e) external forces. The combination of these factors generates high task demands that can lead to errors and accidents. Reducing the task difficulty (independent of the hazards) is an important safety strategy that can reduce the likelihood of accidents while at the same time it can increase productivity.