Drywall & Ceilings

Drywall hangers and finishers lift heavy, awkward sheets, work overhead constantly, and spend much of the day on stilts, Baker scaffolds and lifts.

• Construction

Top hazards

• Back, shoulder and neck strains from lifting sheets and overhead work
• Falls from stilts, Baker scaffolds, ladders and lifts
• Stacks of drywall falling over
• Dust from sanding joint compound
• Cuts from utility knives

Key practices

• Use drywall carts, lifts and team carries. Stock floors with a boom or forklift where possible.
• Lean drywall stacks safely or store them flat so they can’t topple onto anyone.
• Use guardrails on Baker scaffolds and lock casters. See Mobile Scaffolds.
• Use stilts only on clean, level floors free of debris and holes.
• Sand with vacuum sanders and wear a dust mask or respirator.
• Use self-retracting knives and cut away from your body.

Drywall stacks

A full stack of drywall can weigh thousands of pounds. Workers have been crushed when leaning stacks tipped over or when sheets were stored against a wall and pulled forward. Store sheets flat on supports when possible, keep leaning stacks at a safe angle against a solid wall, never lean stacks against framing that isn’t braced, and don’t overload floors with stocked material.

Stilts

• Use stilts only after training, on clean, level floors with no cords, debris, holes or stairs.
• Inspect straps, springs and adjustments before each use.
• Keep the height reasonable for the work, and avoid long reaches.
• Make sure guardrails at windows and openings are tall enough for someone on stilts. A worker on stilts can fall over a standard guardrail.

Joint compound dust

Sanding joint compound produces fine dust that irritates the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Some older compounds contain silica or even asbestos. Use vacuum-attached sanders or wet sanding sponges, keep dust out of the rest of the building, and wear at least an N95 respirator for dry sanding. See Respiratory Protection.

Start-of-day checklist

• Floors clear of scraps and cords
• Scaffold casters locked and guardrails on
• Carts and lifts available for sheets
• Drywall stacks stable and not leaning on framing
• Knives sharp with retractable blades
• Dust control and respirators ready for sanding

Last updated: October 1, 2026