In the building process of any structure, Framing comes after the foundation is poured and has dried. Then the construction crew will create the framework of the building, which consists of, among other things, beams, trusses, walls and partitions, flooring, ceilings, doorways, and window openings.
The framed skeleton of a new residential building
Looking at a framed house, the project may seem somewhat complicated and intimidating. However, the whole process works in a logical order that makes it manageable. There is one intimidating part, however, and that is the framers' safety.
Out of 25 different construction sub-industries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that framing contractors, identified under NAICS 238130, have the highest percentage of injury incidents: 7.2 for every 100 workers. This statistic should send safety shockwaves through any framer and remind them of the need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
This article outlines different construction framing types, occupations that make framed buildings possible, and workers' safety concerns in this industry. We even provide a quick rundown of essential framing terms, along with a review of the personal protective equipment framers should wear.
Let's build up your framing knowledge and framer safety awareness!
What is framing in the world of construction? Well, Framing is an exciting stage of any construction project, as it's when the building begins to take shape into what the builder envisioned. An adequately framed structure is the skeleton that supports all other participating elements, such as the drywall, doors, and windows.
As Constructionknowledge.net explains, Framing is broken up into either light, heavy, or expedient Framing. Here are the necessary components of each:
Regardless of which type is used, almost all frames come back to using one of three core materials: wood, steel, or concrete. We highlight all three below.
Wood is the most often used material used in construction today. Wood framing is the technique defined as the assembly of dimensional lumber that is regularly spaced and fastened together with nails to create the floor, wall, and roof constructions.
The floor, wall, roof, and stair assemblies are each made up of specific wood components, like a skeleton, which are then fastened together to form the structure. Here is a quick breakdown of the wood measurements used in the different parts:
Once the floors and roofs are in place, sheathing is nailed to both before additional material is applied.
Sheathing on a Roof
Despite the "bones" of the structure being built out of wood, a wood frame structure can look very different on the outside, depending on its exterior finish. Metal siding, brick facing, and stucco plaster are all used to provide different exterior finishes. The most common construction exterior applied to wood frames is stucco, an exterior finish that goes over the constructed wood frame. If you want to determine if there is a wood frame under an exterior finish, knock on the wall. A wood frame will create a hollow sound.
Carpentry is best defined as the art and trade of cutting, working, and joining timber. This makes carpenters perfectly suited for wood framing. Not all carpenters find employment in construction; however, a vast number of them do. Roughly 201,000 carpenters work in the industry, which is 21% of all carpenters in the U.S. workforce. And, of this number, most will find work as framing contractors.
Professional framers, known as framing carpenters, are responsible for building and repairing structures made of wood. While their work on a building may start with that building's actual framework, they can also build other wooden components during the construction process.
As mentioned above, Framing is considered one of the most dangerous branches of the construction industry. When you dive into the actual injuries, the BLS reports for framing contractors, and some areas stand out:
Framing Gloves
Fingerless gloves are an excellent choice for framers, as they allow workers to grasp fasteners and hold tools while also protecting most of their hands.
When you examine injuries that involve carpenters, 14% of all cases reported include cuts and lacerations, with another 7% involving puncture injuries. However, like most injuries on construction sites, proper precautions can help significantly prevent these injuries. Cut-resistant gloves become necessary protection for those who understand that sharp material and other cut hazards lurk everywhere on a construction site. Also, safety glasses help prevent flying debris from damaging one's eyes.
MCR Safety's 9373 Cut-Resistant Fingerless Gloves
For those framers who are looking for a durable leather framing glove, be sure to check out our dedicated Leather Work Gloves page, where you will find an entire section devoted to heavy-duty leather options.
Lastly, before moving on to steel frame construction, we encourage any carpenter to visit our dedicated Carpentry page, highlighting all the PPE that MCR Safety offers for this dangerous occupation. In addition to our resource page, here are some other educational resources for wood framers:
The great strength of steel makes it an excellent material to use in erecting buildings. A building constructed using steel framing is structured very much like those that utilize wood in that they are both built by assembling various components. The most significant difference is that the pieces are made of steel instead of wood.
Steel framing is most often constructed in a rectangular grid to support the floors, roof, and walls attached to the frame. This technique is how skyscrapers are built. Industrial buildings and warehouses are two other types of structures that are typically framed with steel. Here are some others that utilize a steel frame:
Steel-Framed Studs
Steel-framed structures may be more expensive than wood frames, but they have many advantages that come with the price tag. For one, steel is durable and provides immense strength to any structure. It's also ductile, waterproof, and fire-resistant. Instead of cracking like glass, steel will bend its shape, making it an extremely ductile material. While that can't always be said for the materials attached to it, a structure's steel skeleton will remain sturdy. Steel also weighs less than wood and takes less time to construct.
Steel frames can either be cut to correct lengths and then welded together or assembled using prefabricated steel bolted together at the job site. Regardless of which approach is used, the workers who make this all happen are called ironworkers. They are responsible for connecting steel columns, welding metal components, bolting steel frames together, and hoisting girders into place.
There are roughly 95,000 ironworkers in the U.S. Their work is demanding, and safety concerns are always present. Anyone who works at great heights welding together metal using heat torches must always be on guard against potential hazards.
Like framing contractors, ironworkers experience a high percentage of hand injuries, roughly 20% of all injuries. Also, O*NET OnLine, a sponsored website from the U.S. Department of Labor, polled ironworkers across the nation to better understand their working environment. When asked, 100% of workers answered that wearing PPE is a vital part of their work.
From safety glasses to welding protection, ironworkers are decked out in PPE. Here are some recommended MCR Safety websites that feature the PPE ironworkers often wear:
In addition, here are some educational resources that will help an ironworker better understand the safety requirements they should follow when framing any building:
Our third frame material type to cover is concrete. A concrete frame goes up by utilizing beams and columns to connect the structure. In fact, a concrete frame is recognized as one of the most popular frame types used in constructing buildings worldwide. The main advantage of concrete frames is that they are economical compared to steel, and they are strong when reinforced with rebar.
A concrete worker is wearing our Ninja BNF breathable gloves.
In addition to concrete frames, some buildings utilize load-bearing masonry walls. We break each industry into separate educational industry pages, so simply click one of the links below to learn more:
What is timber frame construction?
How much does it cost to frame a house?
How long does it take to frame a house?
How to frame a house?
What is post-frame construction?
Do framers install windows for new construction?
Many elements make up a building's structure. Hence, framing contractors, carpenters, and even the DIYer needs to be familiar with construction terminology. Below are the key terms to know within the framing world and an explanation of what each means.
Anchor Bolt
Butt Walls
Cripples are the short studs.
Collar Beam is horizontally positioned at the top.
Header is above the short studs.
Joists
Rafters
MCR Safety - Keeping Framers Safe
We understand that each material used in Framing requires different PPE, which is why we've broken each trade onto its specific industry page. We highlight each industry overall, along with some of the most common hazards workers face within that industry. Click the next construction image to see our list of construction trades and sub-industries.
MCR Safety's dedicated Construction Industry resource page.
From safety glasses that guard against flying debris to gloves to protect your hands from injury, MCR Safety has everything you need to stay safe while completing your framing job.
We welcome any comments, feedback, or suggestions for how we can best protect people at work.
For over 45 years, MCR Safety has proven to be a world leader in gloves, glasses, and garments. Whether it’s on the shop floor, an oil rig, or a construction site, we are there providing solutions to workplace hazards. It’s all part of our commitment to protect people.
No matter your industry, we have the personal protective equipment you need.
Learn more about MCR Safety by checking out our most recent video. For more information, browse our website, request a catalog, find a distributor, or give us a call at 800-955-6887.