Safety First: Protecting Monument Builders in 2026 and Beyond

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Mark Harrison, president of Certified Safety Training (CST), about the real-world safety risks inside monument shops and how OSHA compliance goes far beyond checking boxes. From silica exposure and air-quality testing to lifting hazards, respirator programs, and recordkeeping, Mark breaks down what every monument builder needs to know—and why creating a culture of safety is essential for protecting employees and businesses alike. They also discuss common OSHA violations, cost-saving strategies, and the new free MBNA safety checklist designed to help members identify risks before they become problems. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:28) - Five of the Most Deadly Work Hazards(00:04:14) - Veteren Audit(00:05:52) - OSHA Compliance: Building a Safer Company(00:08:52) - Asbestos in Cigarettes(00:12:04) - What's the First Billboard You See When You Land in the US(00:13:28) - OSHA fines for granite or sandblasting(00:19:00) - OSHA Compliance Programs(00:24:25) - MBNA Membership Checklist(00:24:47) - Memorial Production Facility Safety Podcast