Two wood frame houses collapsed while under construction. The removal of temporary wall braces and strong winds contributed to the accident.

During all phases of wood frame construction, temporary cross-bracing adds lateral stability and helps prevent collapse of building structures.

The following practices help to ensure lateral stability of building structures.

• Install temporary cross-bracing:
  • Across perimeter openings, such as windows and garage doors
  • Throughout narrow structures where there are few or no cross-walls erected in the short direction
• Keep temporary cross-bracing in place until permanent lateral load-resisting elements are completed.
• Use proper sheathing and blocking to improve the load-carrying capacity of partially completed interior walls.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation reference: Section 20.14 Temporary support