The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Marble Institute of America (MIA) renewed their alliance to provide MIA members and others with information and training resources that will help them continue to protect employees’ safety and health.

“The alliance will continue to demonstrate our commitment to finding cooperative ways to prevent workplace accidents,” said Rob Medlock, area director of OSHA’s Cleveland office. “It already has proven very successful, and we want to continue the excellent relationship that has helped so many companies in the natural stone industry.”

During the initial two-year alliance, OSHA and MIA worked successfully together to develop and communicate information to help the institute’s member employers and employees recognize and prevent job-related hazards, including exposure to silica and hazards related to handling slabs of stone. The alliance also has developed training and education programs for employers and employees.

“MIA’s alliance with OSHA has had a very positive impact on the safety awareness of the natural stone industry and on the tools made available to help train employees and improve job safety,” said Gary Distelhorst, MIA’s executive vice president. “We are committed to continuing our efforts with OSHA to achieve greater employee safety.”

For more information, visit www.osha.gov, contact MIA at (440) 250-9222, e-mail MIAinfo@marble-institute.com or visit www.marble-institute.com.