NCBVA Newsletter
National Concrete Burial Vault Association | January 2025
I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to a prosperous fall. As we prepare for this busy season, I encourage you to pay close attention to the details that add value to our business – whether it's our vehicles, equipment, concrete, or most importantly, our employees.
Remember, we are only as good as our team. By taking good care of our employees, we empower them to exemplify the best of our business.
Also, I want to remind you about our upcoming legal call on November 6. This session will cover grave safety and OSHA inspector areas of emphasis. I strongly encourage everyone to participate, as it will provide essential information for our industry.
Thank you for your commitment and dedication. Together, let's make this season a success!
Warm regards,
Kyle York
President, National Concrete Burial Vault Association
Did you miss our recent legal calls?
Over the past year, we have covered a variety of topics as they relate to the death care industry including:
- Breaks & Vacations: The legal and liability issues of providing time off. Not knowing what you can or should do may cause bigger issues than you think.
- The Current State of Protecting Information: This call shines a light on the private side of a business – confidentiality, rumors, trade-secrets, non-solicitation, and more.
- Marijuana in the Workplace: What can an employer do when it comes to a drug-free workplace when so many states have legalized medical and recreational use? Can you have a zero-tolerance policy?
If you missed the calls, NCBVA members have access to the recordings of all legal calls on our members only page. Email us if you need access.
We want you to get to know our board of directors. Each quarter, we will be highlighting one of our board members. Next in line is Bruce Delle Chiaie of Whitman Burial Vault in Whitman, MA.
20 Questions with Bruce Delle Chiaie
- What was the hardest gravesite setup ever? The most memorable set ups were during the winter of 2015. We had 19 straight days of 6” or more of snow with total snowfall pushing 6’ – made it fun!!
- How long have you been in the death care industry? Since birth. I officially started full-time in 1987 – so 37 years – but worked with my grandfather all the time as a child.
- What was your first job at the vault plant? How much did you get paid? I welded cover frames and cut wire mesh after school. Frames I got $.05 each, and if I grinded I could make $5 an hour.
- What do you like most about your job? Family. My wife, sons, and parents are all involved. Most of our staff has been with us for over 20 years , four over 30 years! All are like family.
- Favorite Ice Cream? Chocolate with almonds
- Final Meal Request if on Death Row? Filet with lobster tail
- Who has inspired you and why? My Grandparents. They never stopped working, BUT would insist work stayed at work – once you came home, work discussions were over. I wish I had that skill!
- Describe a time you got in trouble in grade school. I never got in trouble in grade school that I can recall.
- What are you good at cooking? Steak and seafood
- What one thing really makes your day? A smooth non-chaotic day makes it for me! No forgotten orders, no breakdowns, no inclement weather – now that’s a day!
- What was your first job? TJ Maxx cash register operator
- What was your first car? Camaro Iroc z28
- What book is on your nightstand? Meateater cookbook by Steve Rinella
- Favorite comfort food? Grilled cheese
- What is the coolest experience you’ve ever had? Hiking trips – my wife Julie has planned some insane hikes! We were actually crashed into by a heard of bison in Yellowstone in our rental car once heading out on one of these hikes. It made all the major news networks.
- Favorite subject in school? Art – I have always loved to draw. My grandmother was quite the artist, and I always wanted to be able to draw like her.
- What are your hobbies? Anything outdoors – hiking, hunting, fishing.
- What is your proudest moment? Becoming a father! I have 3 boys.
- What professional athlete would you like to join for dinner? Tiger Woods
- Favorite sports team? Boston Bruins
We asked certified concrete specialist Patrick Lewandowski what advice he has for vault plants based on his experience during plant inspections. Here's what he said:
"One item that seems to be misunderstood when I do inspections is the OSHA 300a forms and what is required by the government on posting requirements. Many producers do not know how it should be posted or filed and if they are exempt based on employee head count."
- This link highlights who has to submit forms, exemptions, and the posting dates timeline.
- This link has the package where you’ll find everything you need to complete OSHA’s Log and the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses form.
"Another issue I run into is proper lockout tagout procedures that 9 times out of 10 are not followed correctly. Also, the lockout tagout storage location should be on the wall and not in a drawer where it is sometimes used or not at all." See the photo below for an example of how the lockout tagout station should be displayed.
Certified Plant Logo
Certified plant? Let your customers know about it! Request the new Certified Plant logo and add it to your vehicles, website, and/or other marketing materials.
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