Zack Smyser

Stone Industry Consultant

Safety is just as important to a smaller sized business as it is to a large well-established production company. In fact, Safety can play an even more critical role to a small business. The financial and operational impact of an accident or injury can be much greater because there may be fewer resources to absorb the costs and maintain operations. Injuries can shutter schedules, bottleneck production and hinder morale. Implementing a Safety Program can help create a strong foundation for a business to grow and thrive over the long term. By prioritizing safety, employers can create a workplace that is healthy, productive, and conducive to employee well-being.


Hazard Assessment/Safety Inspection

It’s important to get a baseline from which to start. Conduct an inspection of your work areas and identify potential hazards.

A few basic examples include:

1. Obstructions to walkways and exits

2. Frayed or damaged extension cords

3. Non-GFCI outlets (especially near water sources)

4. Unsecured flammable liquids

Once hazards have been identified, develop policies and procedures to address them.

Hazard Assessments should be broad and all-encompassing. The potential for hazards is not limited to the fabrication floor and slab area but should cover the entire property including showroom areas, bathrooms and parking lots. A Hazard Assessment should be conducted regularly to ensure compliance as well as be signed and dated by the individual doing the assessment.


Safety Training and New Hires

Incorporating safety training during the onboarding of a new hire should be mandatory.

It’s imperative that new employees understand the fundamental safety rules and regulations of the stone industry. We want them to perform their duties to the company’s standards and do so in the safest manner possible. Whether the new hire has experience in the stone industry or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not assume they have adequate safety training.

Here are some important safety training topics to get you started:

1. Basic Shop Safety

2. Safe Slab Handling

3. Slab Fall Shadow Safety

4. Material Loading and Unloading

5. Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment

6. Silica Exposure

Documentation of the scope of training should be made as well as who taught and conducted the training, and when. All training logs can be stored in the employee’s personnel file or in a separate Safety Training binder. It’s best practice to not allow a new hire to begin any work within your company until Safety Training is complete and signed with a memorandum of understanding. The Natural Stone Institute has great educational courses on safety which allow your new hire to test his or her understanding of each course. A printed certification for each can be stored in their personnel file.    


Creating a Hazard Communication Program

The purpose of a Haz/Com program is to educate employees of potential hazards associated with the chemicals and materials they work with and provide them with the necessary information to protect themselves. Firstly, you need to identify what hazardous materials and chemicals are in your business. Each item should have a corresponding SDS sheet that informs you on the specific hazard it poses. You can reach out to your suppliers for copies of the SDS for items such as adhesives and sealers. Part of the Hazard Communication Program should be training employees on these hazards and the safety protocol while using and handling. Each employee should know where the SDS binder is kept and how to navigate its content to find the specific item they intend to use. Note: This is an OSHA requirement.

Safety training is not a one time activity that can be checked off a list and then forgotten. It must stay on the forefront of the minds of your employees so they don’t become complacent.

The goal of monthly or weekly safety meetings should be to create an open and collaborative environment where all employees are encouraged to participate and share their concerns, experiences and ideas.


This guide is far from a complete safety program but should act as a springboard for your organization to begin its safety journey. For more information on safety and training courses, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.


Zach Smyser is a Richmond, VA native with over a decade of experience through various roles within the Stone Industry. Zach is templating and safety specialist at Granite International in Cicero, New York.