Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CRUSHING

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer is not furnishing employment and a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees are exposed to the hazards of crushing injury from unstable stone slabs that were stored in the stone pre-view area in the northern section of the building. a)Stone Age Interiors D/B/A Colorado Springs Marble & Granite Inc. failed to ensure that proper slab storage techniques were used to protect employees from crushing hazards. Employees tasked with removing, positioning and working near stored, natural slabs were exposed to crushing hazards during those operations. These slabs, generally weighing in excess of 500 pounds, were set on the floor and tilted at a high angle against the wall for storage. Additionally, these slabs were unsecured and stored 2 to 3 slabs deep and were positioned from the east to the west end of the building. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is as follows: a)Institute and enforce a policy in which employees are prohibited from standing in the danger zone of unsecured natural stone slabs. b)Install a chain system that securely holds the slabs in position while being stored in order to eliminate crushing hazards to employees. Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").