Comments about ‘Slab of marble breaks, crushing South S.L. man’

Tragic....just tragic!

The tool used to move these slabs needs to be improved. It relies on the weight of the slab, and more importantly friction, to secure it safely.

Slabs are carried by the tool (I do not know it's name, but it is simply a clamp with rubber boots) chained to a piece of machinery.

In the winter, when there is frost on the slabs of granite, or marble, there is ALWAYS slippage, sometimes resulting in the loss the piece from it's precariously swinging position.

Clearly, frost was not a factor in this accident, but my point is that a tragic accident was bound to happen, more than likely due to an equipment failure.

Please improve the method of moving the tons of deadly material that is so popular to improving the property value of a dwelling.

How many more people need to die before OSHA or these companies issue guidance on safe handling of these slabs?

I'm curious. When I worked heavy construction in Hawaii, anytime something was lifted or moved in the air, everybody stood far enough away that in the case the load dropped or had to be discarded in an emergency, we were out of the way already. We didn't need to run or duck for cover. We were far enough way, that even if the crane tipped over, we were out of harms way.

Aren't there any safety mechanisms these guys can implement so if something fails, they have a back up and someones life isn't in peril?

Very unfortunate accident.

The slabs often need to be "escorted" to where they are going, as they are very expensive and tend to swing around quite a bit when moved.

Agree, a new method needs to be devised.

When will people get rid of this insanity of having to have the most expensive of everything, like having pieces of rock on the top of their cabinets. There are other materials that are far less expensive, far more sanitary, and much lighter and less dangerous to work with. maybe some think a marble cave would be nice to live in.