MIA+BSI is committed to a renewed focus on safety for 2016. The first phase of the 2016 Safety Initiative will include the following:

1.Release of a new safety poster set. In the first week of 2016, a set of seven safety posters were mailed to all MIA+BSI member fabricators, installers, quarriers and stone distributors in North America. Additional sets are available for purchase here at: www.marble-institute.com/bookstore

2.Free OSHA On-Site Consultation Program webinar. A free webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26 from 12 to 12:30 p.m. EST, featuring Scott McNulty, Industrial Safety Consultant for the Bureau of Workers' Compensation and OSHA. This webinar will help participants understand OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program, which offers free and confidential safety and occupational health advice to small- and medium-sized businesses across the U.S. Register at: www.marble-institute.com/OSHAwebinar.

3. Release of new safety video. Production is underway for a new safety video, Natural Stone Installation: Best Practices for Safety and Success. This video will build on the vast library of available training videos and will focus on eight key areas of commercial and residential installation safety, including PPE requirements, best practices for material loading and unloading, and large-scale commercial installations. Natural Stone Installation: Best Practices for Safety and Success will be available at no charge to members as part of MIA+BSI's Online University. Hard copy DVDs will be made available for purchase from the bookstore.

4. Increased emphasis on quarrier and producer safety.MIA+BSI, along with the National Building Granite Quarries Association, are assembling information to expand safety resources for quarry worker safety. Resources are being developed that will be helpful both for new and existing employees.

"One way to demonstrate the strength of MIA+BSI is through an increased emphasis on safety," said David Castellucci, 2016 MIA Board President. "By creating a library of educational resources and adhering to the highest standards across the board, we not only protect all of our members, but we keep our reputation high." Aaron Hicken, 2016 BSI Board President Elect, agrees. "It is time to put safety and compliance at the forefront of the entire natural stone industry to ensure the success of our operations and, above all, the welfare of our workforce," he said.

For more information about the 2016 Safety Initiative, visit www.marble-institute.com.