“The new publication is an important source of guidelines on safety procedures for personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, hazard communication, equipment operations, slab handling, OSHA compliance and much more,” said Jim Hieb, director of special projects for the 1,800-member trade association. “The guide builds on a string of other safety initiatives developed by MIA over the past three year. The key to this publication is that it incorporates the content of the four MIA safety videos so that employers can utilize a hardcopy training tool that complements the videos,” Hieb said.

Potential uses for the new guide include: making it an integral part of each employee’s orientation packet; using individual sections for a series of toolbox talks; and conducting training for office employees on safety protocol when they and their clients enter a distribution and/or fabrication facility.

“The entire package of safety tools now available from the Marble Institute can really help stone companies maximize their safety outreach to employees,” he added. In 2007, the Marble Institute also plans to introduce a new management tool kit featuring safety meeting outlines.