OSHA Inspection: NEKA MARBLE & GRANITE, INC.

Issued

Jul 24, 2003

Abate by

Jul 29, 2003

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

40.1-51.1(a) of the Code of Virginia:  The employer, Neka Marble and
Granite, Inc. did not provide a place of
employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or
likely to cause death or serious physical
harm to employees in that employees were not mandated to follow the
companys safety rules on handling granite
slabs.
(a)  On January 28, 2003, the Assistant Production Manager and a helper
were attempting to move two slabs of granite
from the outside granite storage area to the Production Area.  Each slab
of granite is appx. 114" x 70" and weighs
appx. 880 pounds.  The granite is stored on metal A frames leaning at a 90
degree angle.  There is a distance of appx.
5 feet between two stacks of stored granite.  A slab of granite was chosen
which was third in line and required the first
two slabs to be moved to the other side in order to reach the chosen
granite.  The Assistant Production Manager was
operating a SARD Truck Crane, Model D120, Serial #2660L with a gripper
attachment capable of lifting two slabs of
granite at a time.  Two slabs of granite were attached to the gripper and
had been moved to the next A frame metal
storage rack.  They were basically in an upright position, resting on the
ground.  The Assistant Production Manager
did not, or could not, release the slabs of granite from within the cab of
the truck crane.  He attempted to release the
gripper clasp by standing in the area between the stored slabs of granite.
As he released the gripper clasp, the two
slabs of granite fell on him which resulted in a fatal crushing injury.
The helper received injuries which required
outpatient care.
For moving slabs of granite, the safety procedures include statements as
follows: "Never stay within falling angles of
slabs;  Always keep safe distance, and stay at the ends, never on the
sides of stone slabs;  It is much easier to back
away at ends than sides."
One feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to ensure
that employees are trained and follow the
company Safety Rules for moving slabs of granite as described above.