Author: Marek Bros

  • 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…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Wear Eye Protection Properly

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Wear Eye Protection ProperlynJorge VazqueznWed, 04/15/2020 – 11:36nnn n We have talked about eye protection many times in the past. There is no question of how fragile our eyes are and how important it is to protect them. We all know when to wear eye protection on the job, but today we…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Distractions

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: DistractionsnJorge VazqueznThu, 04/09/2020 – 15:19nnn n Accidents occur for many reasons. In most jobsites people tend to look for “things” or “people” to blame when an accident happens, because it’s easier than looking for “root causes.” n While some factors in the workplace can play a role in causing distractions, the fact…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: Essential Business

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: Essential BusinessnJorge VazqueznThu, 04/02/2020 – 15:39nnn n Construction work is considered and essential business, as our industry is responsible for keeping, highways, office buildings, hospitals, chemical plants, schools, churches, arenas and shopping centers. As the situation keeps developing, we will continue to review all official government orders and updates. Your supervisor will…

  • Weekly Toolbox Talk: COVID-19 Action Plan 2

    Weekly Toolbox Talk: COVID-19 Action Plan 2nJorge VazqueznMon, 03/23/2020 – 15:49nnn n   n WATER BOTTLE USE n Experts don’t believe your reusable water bottle can spread the virus. But you should definitely be cleaning it diligently, regardless of an outbreak.  Prior to drinking from a new water bottle, be sure to inspect that the…