The Natural Stone Institute has introduced the newly-updated Silica & Slab Safety Certificate. This online certificate consists of seventeen courses focused on preventing silicosis, safe slab handling, and creating a safety program.
The updated certificate can be completed in 4-6 hours. The certificate includes videos, course readings, and tests. Videos have been close captioned, and subtitles are available in many different languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
Employers have multiple options to administer this certificate program:
- Provide each employee with online access to complete all 17 courses.
- Designate a safety manager to administer the courses in an in-person environment at the facility. Contact the NSI education department to learn more.
- Participate in a half-day workshop during an industry trade show or hosted by NSI member distributors and suppliers. Details will be announced soon.
NSI board president Duane Naquin said, “Whether completing the certificate online or in-person, the importance of silicosis prevention and material handling safety is key. I encourage all employers to be proactive and make safety a critical part of your company culture.”
Safety training resources for the natural stone industry has been a priority for several decades through the NSI Safety Committee. These trainings have focused on creating a safe work environment for employees and assisting employers with best practices for their facilities. The updated certificate was made possible through the generosity of the Natural Stone Foundation. Foundation board president Tony Malisani shared: “Given the importance of employee safety, the Foundation is proud to partner with the NSI safety committee on this critical initiative.”
NSI members have free and unlimited access to the certificate. The certificate is also available to non-members for $199. To access the Silica & Slab Safety Certificate, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/safetycertificate. For additional silica information and resources, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.
You may also be interested in this article: OSHA Launches New Silica Enforcement Initiative
