Safety in the Framing Industry

A Deep Dive into FrameSAFE

by Molly Butz

FrameSAFE is a comprehensive safety program designed specifically for the framing industry. Developed by the National Framers Council (NFC), this program aims to provide framers and construction professionals with the necessary tools and resources to ensure a safe working environment. By addressing the unique challenges and risks associated with framing, FrameSAFE helps reduce accidents, enhance jobsite safety, and promote a culture of safety awareness among workers.

Benefits of FrameSAFE

FrameSAFE fosters a culture of safety within a framer’s company by emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and regular training. This cultural shift not only reduces the likelihood of accidents but also instills a sense of responsibility among workers.

The program offers a wide range of training materials, including a robust safety manual, 90+ toolbox talks, posters, forms, worksheets, checklists, and more. These resources are tailored to address the specific hazards and safety concerns of the framing industry, in a bilingual format, ensuring that workers are well-informed and prepared.

FrameSAFE also helps companies comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. By adhering to these guidelines, companies can avoid costly fines and legal issues, while also ensuring the well-being of their employees. And should OSHA make a visit to your jobsite, FrameSAFE includes a “Guidelines for an OSHA Visit” resource.

Each jobsite is unique, and FrameSAFE recognizes this by providing customizable safety plans. These plans can be tailored to address the specific needs and hazards of different projects, making them more effective in preventing accidents. And, with its focus on proactive safety measures, FrameSAFE has been proven to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on jobsites. This not only protects workers but also leads to increased productivity and lower insurance costs for employers.

“FrameSAFE has become a nationally recognized and well-respected safety program in the framing world,” says Chris Breedlove, Breedlove, President of Ace Carpentry and NFC President. “It continues to evolve and expand each year providing a tremendous and complete toolbox of safety resources for framers of all shapes and sizes. It makes safety easy and effective.”

Since its launch, FrameSAFE has evolved to address emerging safety issues and incorporate the latest advancements in safety technology and practices. 

FrameSAFE is designed to support both individual framers and member companies in several ways.
Members of NFC have access to a wealth of expert resources and industry insights. This includes the latest safety research, best practices, and updates on regulatory changes, ensuring that members stay ahead of the curve. In addition, NFC plans events throughout the year to facilitate networking opportunities among members, allowing them to share experiences and solutions for safety and other jobsite challenges. This collaborative approach helps members learn from each other and implement effective strategies.

By reducing the incidence of workplace accidents and injuries, FrameSAFE helps companies save on medical expenses, workers’ compensation claims, and insurance premiums. These savings can be reinvested into the business, leading to further growth and development.

At the end of the day, a safe working environment boosts worker morale and job satisfaction. When employees feel valued and protected, they are more likely to be engaged and productive, contributing to the overall success of the company and lessening turnover on the team.

FrameSAFE is a safety program specifically designed for the framing industry, offering training materials, safety plans, and resources to improve jobsite safety and compliance with OSHA regulations.

History of FrameSAFE

“In the fall of 2013, I attended a meeting in Texas where a group of local framers came together to talk about various issues they were having in their area,” says Kenny Shifflett, Owner of Ace Carpentry, located in Manassas, VA, and NFC Safety Subcommittee Chair. “It was at that meeting that I met George Hull of Hull Associates. He and I talked for a long time and safety quickly became a focal point of the conversation.”

“Following that first meeting, George and I had several long conversations, and it was clear we both had the same mindset: that at the end of a work day, we wanted everyone to go home in the same condition they arrived in on the job that morning; that is how we arrived at NFC’s mission.”

That mission is, “to help ensure framers leave the jobsite each day in the same health as they arrived.” Establishing a culture of safety begins with thorough and effective communication of potential injury risks and expectations for safe behavior, and FrameSAFE provides a consistent, systematic program approach that’s easy to implement and maintain.

The inception of FrameSAFE can be traced back to the growing need for a standardized safety program within the framing industry. Recognizing the unique hazards and challenges faced by framers, NFC embarked on developing a comprehensive safety program tailored to their specific needs. In the early stages, NFC collaborated with industry experts, safety professionals, and framing companies to identify key safety concerns and best practices. This collaborative effort led to the creation of a robust framework for FrameSAFE, encompassing a wide range of safety topics and training materials.

“With a lot of help from many people, a year later we had produced the first edition of FrameSAFE,” Kenny recalls. “Over the years, OSHA guidelines have continually changed, and the NFC Safety Subcommittee has done a great job producing invaluable material to help framers understand the importance of safety and implement a comprehensive safety program.”

Since its launch, FrameSAFE has evolved to address emerging safety issues and incorporate the latest advancements in safety technology and practices. The program has been continuously updated to reflect changes in OSHA regulations and industry standards, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in promoting safety within the framing industry.

FrameSAFE stands as a testament to NFC’s commitment to enhancing safety in the framing industry. By providing comprehensive training materials, customizable safety plans, and access to expert resources, FrameSAFE empowers framers to create safer work environments. The program’s focus on regulatory compliance, cost savings, and worker morale further underscores its value to both individual framers and member companies. As the framing industry continues to evolve, FrameSAFE remains a crucial tool in fostering a culture of safety and protecting the well-being of workers.