Author: Marek Bros

  • Women in Construction Thrive on Challenge with a Purpose

    This article was originally published in AWCI Construction Dimensions and has been reposted with permission Success for women in construction demands confidence and action, urging them to overcome self-doubt and believe in their abilities. Leaders must prioritize integrity, continuous learning, and networking to surround themselves with good people. More women are entering construction careers that…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Signs & Barricades

    A barricade is a portable or fixed device with three rails and appropriate markings. It is used to control traffic by closing, restricting, or delineating all or a portion of the right-of-way. Barricades are physical obstructions such as walls, guardrails, screens, tapes, or cones intended to warn and limit access to a hazardous area. Signs,…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Floor Openings

    Safely covering a floor opening with a piece of plywood requires more than just laying down the material over the hole or even nailing it down. Total on-the-job safety means a total job of eliminating hazards. Half a job or inadequate or incomplete jobs of covering hole hazards can result only in half, inadequate, or…

  • THE FUTURE IS FACTORY BUILT

    Article originally posted AGC Houston Cornerstone Winter 2025-2026 IN A CAVERNOUS WAREHOUSE tucked nearly into a nondescript industrial park on Houston’s outskirts, workers in safety vests weld steel frames and assemble wall panels. Unaffected by rain or traffic, forklifts zip around incessantly, materials arrive on schedule, and the production crew consistently churns out components like…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Tools & Equipment

    Tools and equipment include anything from ladders, scaffolds, utility knives, extension cords, hammers, etc. They seem simple, but tools and equipment can be hazardous on the job site or anywhere they are being used. Their greatest hazards are misuse and improper maintenance. Therefore, the Marek Family of Companies provides the necessary equipment to get the…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Line of Fire Safety Talk

    The term “line of fire” is very common when talking about the hazards of a work task. Depending on the work being completed, there may be many different lines of fire or there could be very few. It is important to understand the “line of fire” and how to avoid being in it to prevent…

  • Meet Matthew: How He Found His Way in the Trades

    Matthew didn’t always plan on a career in construction. Early on, he just knew he liked working with his hands and learning by doing. When MAREK visited his high school, that interest became an opportunity to explore the trades. Matthew joined MAREK in October 2022 as a Helper on the San Antonio Commercial team. After…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Stretch & Flex

    Construction is an athletic event! The importance of being warmed up before starting construction work (or any work involving heavy lifting) is just like getting ready for a sporting event. Stretching is a means to avoid the most common body sprain/strain injuries. Stretching before lifting is especially helpful to avoid back injuries. According to safety…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Workplace Solicitation & Safety Policy

    We are committed to maintaining a safe, productive, and professional work environment at MAREK. To ensure that all employees can focus on their tasks without distractions, we have clear guidelines regarding the solicitation and distribution of materials in the workplace. Our Solicitation Policy Employees may not solicit or promote support for any cause or organization…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Cold Weather Safety

    As the weather becomes “frightful” during winter months, construction workers who must brave the outdoor conditions face the occupational hazard of exposure to the cold. You need to be especially mindful of the weather, its effects on the body, and proper prevention techniques. Environmental ConditionsThe following four environmental conditions are the causes of cold-related stress:…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Graffiti Prevention: Protecting Our Projects

    Good morning, team. Today’s toolbox talk will focus on an important issue that affects our construction sites: graffiti. Graffiti not only damages the appearance of our sites, but can also have significant repercussions on our projects. We must understand the impact of graffiti and take proactive measures to prevent it. Let’s discuss why graffiti is…