NSI Offers Updated Silica & Slab Safety Certificate

OBERLIN, Ohio —  The Natural Stone Institute releases the newly-updated Silica & Slab Safety Certificate, including 17 online courses focused on preventing silicosis, safe slab handling, and creating a safety program.

And, there’s a way to earn the certificate in a live session during StonExpo at TISE 2024 in Las Vegas this January.

The online program – including videos, course readings, and texts — be completed in 4-6 hours. Videos are close captioned, with subtitles available in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and other languages.

Employers have multiple options to administer this certificate program:

1. Provide each employee with online access to complete all 17 courses. Access the courses here.
2. Designate a safety manager to administer the courses in an in-person environment at the facility. Contact the NSI education department to learn more.
3. Participate in a half-day workshop during an industry trade show or hosted by NSI member distributors and suppliers. Details will be announced soon. 

“This certificate is very well done!” said Christine List, HR manager at Stone Central in Syracuse, N.Y. “I’ve taken all the courses and tests, and our organization is now incorporating the certificate into our training plan to help keep our employees safe.”

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.

There’s also a live option on the schedule at StonExpo in Las Vegas on Jan. 23 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. This session offers stone professionals a way to earn the Silica & Slab Safety Certificate in a reduced amount of time, and in a live setting where they can actively ask questions and learn from experts and their peers.

 “We know that keeping workers safe from respirable crystalline silica is front of mind for many natural stone fabricators,” said NSI Accreditation & Technical Manager Mark Meriaux, who will facilitate the session. “This session will be a helpful way for fabricators to make sure they understand the best practices for preventing silicosis and have the resources they need to make sure everyone on staff is as safe as possible.”

Safety training resources for the natural stone industry has been a priority for several decades through the NSI Safety Committee. These training courses 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.

“Given the importance of employee safety, the Foundation is proud to partner with the NSI safety committee on this critical initiative,” said Foundation Board President Tony Malisani.

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.”

For additional silica information and resources, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.