Author: Marek Bros

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Fall prevention/ Fall protection

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Fall prevention/ Fall protectionnJorge VazqueznWed, 07/01/2020 – 11:19nnn n O.S.H.A. identifies falls as one of the four leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. This is why employees must be trained to recognize fall exposures and have the authority to take corrective actions. n I. We have all heard the expression…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Struck-By Falling / Flying Objects

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Struck-By Falling/Flying ObjectsnJorge VazqueznThu, 06/25/2020 – 10:29nnn n You are at risk from falling objects when you are beneath equipment, scaffolds, etc., or where overhead work is being performed. There is a danger from flying objects when power tools, or activities like pushing, pulling, or prying, may cause objects to become airborne….

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips and Falls (Fall Prevention)

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips and Falls (Fall Prevention)nJorge VazqueznWed, 06/17/2020 – 14:54nnn nn Note to Supervisors: Read and prepare. Your objective is to point out the dangers of the most common – AND PREVENTABLE – causes of serious accidents. Explain practices to help avoid these types of accidents. You should hold this meeting on…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: War on Falls

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: War on FallsnJorge VazqueznThu, 06/11/2020 – 09:32nnn n The “War on Falls” was declared with only one thing in mind – to prevent injuries by eliminating fall exposures. Zero tolerance and suspensions are merely tools to deal with a violation after it occurs. The ultimate goal is eliminate the exposure in the…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Floor Openings

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Floor OpeningsnJorge VazqueznWed, 06/03/2020 – 16:32nnn n 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. n Total on the job safety means a total job of eliminating a hazard. Half a job or inadequate…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: COVID-19 Jobsite Guidance

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: COVID-19 Jobsite GuidancenJorge VazqueznWed, 05/27/2020 – 16:50nnn n This guidance is based on what we currently know about COVID-19 as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. n…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Heat Stress

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Heat StressnJorge VazqueznThu, 05/21/2020 – 17:13nnn n Hot weather causes more fatalities than any other weather-related source. Heat waves rarely are given adequate attention but in fact, they claim more lives each year than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. Heat waves are a silent killer. Heatstroke also affects both genders equally. However,…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Fall Arrest Pre-Use Inspection

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Fall Arrest Pre-Use InspectionnJorge RodrigueznThu, 05/14/2020 – 15:57nnn n ANSI and OSHA do not reference a maximum service life for synthetic fiber products. ANSI and OSHA standards require that the user remove the equipment from service if it has been subject to the forces of arresting a fall. ANSI A10.32-2012 does not…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Stay Hydrated

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Stay HydratednJorge VazqueznWed, 05/06/2020 – 14:13nnn n Watern The natural choice for hydration is water. It hydrates better than any other liquid, both before and during work. Water tends to be less expensive and more available than any other drink. You need to drink 4-6 ounces of water for every 15-20 minutes…

  • The Gift of Ralph Marek

    The Gift of Ralph MareknMarek BrothersnThu, 04/30/2020 – 08:48nnn The following tribute to Ralph Marek was authored by Pat Kiley, a managing director with FMI, founding principal of Kiley Advisors LLC, and served as chief staff executive for AGC Houston. n Our Houston AGC Chapter and the entire construction industry stands today in sacred silence,…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Material Handling and Hand Safety

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Material Handling and Hand SafetynJorge VazqueznWed, 04/29/2020 – 15:48nnn n Sharp edges and puncture hazards  n When you are handling metal, remember the sharp rolled edges. Every employee gets relaxed around metal: when you see your co-workers do this, remind them about the sharp edges. Many hand lacerations are caused by carelessness…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Shortcuts

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: ShortcutsnJorge VazqueznFri, 04/24/2020 – 03:42nnn n Note: Open Enrollment time is approaching! This is your opportunity to examine your benefit choices and make changes to meet your current needs. The enrollment process (including the benefits presentations) will be online through MyMAREK, and the enrollment period will begin May 18, 2020 and run…