Stories of stone accidents and injuries go back generations. It is common to meet people that work in the stone business who have a story to tell. Stories of their mishaps and close calls provide a glimpse into their world. One filled with inherent risks and dangers that they know exist but often overlook. Unfortunately, there are too many average people reciting their own stories about stone-related accidents as well. Nobody expects them to happen, but when they do, we always ask ourselves how the accident could have been prevented. Mishaps may occur at a stone shop or quarry, jobsite or warehouse. Although the situations vary, the stories share a common theme -- many of the accidents and injuries could have been prevented.
About 20 years ago, a friend of mine from Carrara, Italy, told me a story that I will never forget.