Installing drywall requires workers to lift and place drywall sheets that can weigh more than 50 lbs. Heavy lifting and carrying can cause low back disorders, such as muscle strain or a disc herniation (“slipped disc”), which is bulging of disc material possibly pressing on the spinal cord or nerves that go into the leg.  Lightweight drywall panels decrease the amount of weight lifted, which reduces the forces experienced by the low back and shoulders.

Lightweight drywall panels may decrease loads that workers lift and carry during drywall installation tasks. 

American Gypsum Lightroc
To obtain information, visit www.americangypsum.com or contact 1-800-545-6302

Gold Bond High Strength Lite
To obtain information, visit www.nationalgypsum.com or contact 1-800-628-4662

NIOSH Workplace Solutions Sheet
The National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a series of “Workplace Solutions”, which are easy-to-understand recommendations from NIOSH research results. Related to this Construction Solution, please find more information on: Preventing Injuries from Installing Drywall

Sheetrock Brand Ultralight Panels
To obtain information, visit www.usg.com or contact 1-800-950-3839

CertainTeed Easy-Lite Lightweight Gypsum Board
To obtain information, visit www.certainteed.com or contact 1-800-233-8990

Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Toughrock Gypsum Board
To obtain information, visit www.gpgypsum.com or contact 1-800-225-6119