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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to crushing hazards while handling stone slabs: In the fabrication shop and yard: On or about June 18, 2009, and at times prior thereto, employees who were transporting natural stone slabs from A-frame racks were exposed to crushing hazards, in that one employee supported the stone slab by hand in the vertical position on the A-frame, while a second employee stood in the fall shadow of the slab to attach a fork lift scissor clamp to the slab. The operation was repeated when detaching the clamp while placing the slab on the saw table. Note: Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable abatement methods are: a) A spacer or wedge may be inserted behind the slab being lifted (instead of supporting the slab by hand) which would provide space at the top to facilitate placement of the mechanical lifting device. The slabs may also be supported with straps wrapped around the entire A-frame rack. The straps could then be loosened enough to hand raise the slab to the vertical position but not enough to allow the slab to fall. The mechanical lifting device could then be placed on the slab. b) Institute and enforce written procedures for lifting and transporting stone slabs which prevent employees from standing in the fall shadow, and train employees on these procedures. Note: Abatement certification required for this item.