Pemagran Competes for SESI Award with In-House Solution to Prevent Accidents in the Natural Stone Industry

Centorochas member company develops lateral restraint system to improve safety when handling stone offcuts

Pemagran, a member company of the Brazilian Center of Natural Stone Exporters (Centrorochas), is competing for the 2026 SESI Best Practices in Occupational Health and Safety Award with an in-house solution designed to prevent stone offcuts from tipping sideways during the handling and unloading of slabs. The lateral restraint system was developed at the company's headquarters in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil, and installed on block transport carts at the facility.

The stone offcuts are the outer sections remaining after stone blocks are cut into slabs. To prevent them from tipping sideways, the team developed a structure made of metal profiles and steel bars that serves as a physical protective barrier. The device is classified as Collective Protective Equipment (CPE) and introduces an additional engineering control to improve operational safety.

The project resulted from collaboration among the occupational safety, operations, maintenance, and senior management teams. With a relatively low investment in materials, the initiative turned the identification of a routine industrial hazard into a practical preventive solution.

“After more than a year of using the system, we have achieved a 100% reduction in accidents, near misses, and incidents involving stone offcuts falling to the ground due to lateral tipping during the block sawing process. We have also observed benefits in terms of preserving floors and walkways and maintaining operational continuity, preventing damage and interruptions caused by the need to remove stone fragments,” says Michael Abreu de Oliveira, Occupational Safety Coordinator at Pemagran.

The case study was presented by Michael on October 20 at the Federation of Industries of Espírito Santo (Findes), in Vitória, Brazil. The company remains in the running for the award and is awaiting the announcement of the results, expected in December.

“Participating in this award brings visibility to an initiative developed within our own company and guided by a principle that defines our approach: no production target justifies putting a worker’s life at risk,” concludes Michael.

Does Your Company Have a Success Story to Share?

Centrorochas provides a platform to highlight initiatives by its member companies that contribute to the development and strengthening of Brazil’s natural stone industry.

Projects involving innovation, sustainability, occupational safety, achievements, and best practices can gain visibility through our communication channels.

Have a story idea to share? Send your suggestion to comunicacao@centrorochas.org.br (*)

(*) All submitted content will undergo editorial review by the Centrorochas Communications team, based on its relevance to the industry and suitability for the association’s communication channels.

Editorial Note: This article was prepared based on information provided by Pemagran, a Centrorochas member company, and underwent editorial review by the association’s Communications team. Pemagran is responsible for the accuracy of the information and results presented.