If I Had Not Seen It, I Would Not Have Believed It!

Abstract

When the metal plate connected wood truss industry evolved, in South Florida in the early 1950s, fabricated wood trusses were used to take the place of “stick framed” joist and rafter-type wood roof structures. Carpenters originally worked the trusses into place, but as trusses became longer and roof structures more complex, the use of economic hydraulic cranes became the preferred method for installing wood trusses. As far back as 1976, the wood truss industry recognized the potential danger in handling and erecting wood trusses and produced recommendations for safe installation practice which have been accepted by the major building code authorities. It is unusual to see wood trusses being handled and erected using unsafe field practice, but if such practice results in a fatal accident, the incident should be brought to the attention of the entire construction industry. Architects, engineers, contractors, and building officials should be aware of this potential job site hazard.