1-800-571-4646
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Northern Safety Co., Inc.
PO Box 4250, Utica, NY 13504-4250
Phone: 1-800-571-4646
Fax: 1-800-635-1591
Northern Safety & Industrial
Safer Handling of Granite and Marble Slabs

Individual granite and marble slabs can weigh anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. Workers who transport and handle these large pieces of rock face difficult challenges, including shifting loads and rack/support failures. Awareness of these hazards and appropriate precautions can prevent workplace accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides these helpful guidelines.
- Do not overload any racking systems, dollies, fork trucks, or any other equipment used to store or handle the slabs
- Implement and follow correct loading and unloading procedures
- Effectively secure the storage racks to the transport truck
- Properly maintain and inspect storage racks before use
- Any restraining or tie-down devices used must be inspected before installation and properly applied by qualified personnel
- Avoid manually lifting of stone slabs and follow safe work practices
- Do not use scissor clamps on equipment operating on uneven surfaces
- Train crew in proper loading/unloading practices and how to identify shifted or fallen slabs that could cause a risk of injury
- Do not stand within the slab’s “fall shadow” and only walk at either end of the slab
- When using fork trucks, raise the load only as high as necessary to clear the road surface or obstacles
- Remove the supports and bracing from slab bundles inside shipping/storage containers using a sequence that doesn’t allow for other slabs to collapse or shift