by Marek Brothers on Feb 13, 2018
The following post was authored by Scott Braddock and originally published on Construction Citizen.The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the struggle of Southeast Texas to recover from the monster storm is front and center in the newest edition of The Rational Middle Immigration documentary series.Filmmaker Gregory Kallenberg and former Houston... read more
by Marek Brothers on Feb 7, 2018
Construction executives from around the Houston area gathered this week to learn more about how they can create “a robust craft training program in your organization and link it to a career path” through an initiative that continues to grow. Those were the words of Chuck Gremillion, Executive Director of the Construction Career Collaborative, as... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jan 30, 2018
Roland Mercier recently wrote about MAREK Houston's involvement in the remodel of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral with General Contractor Satterfield and Pontikes. MAREK's turnkey contract includes framing, sheathing, roof trusses, rough carpentry, and thermal insulation, along with drywall, paint, acoustical plaster, and ceilings.... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jan 26, 2018
As anyone in commercial construction will attest, the industry has a labor shortage and a perception problem. The combination of those issues has led to an unsustainable craft workforce. Demand for skilled craft workers is greater than people looking for jobs. Baby Boomers are retiring and the millennial generation has not been attracted to... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jan 24, 2018
Even a simple extension cords needs to be looked after. It’s a shock or fire hazard when deteriorated, worn-out or used improperly.Three-wire cords are for outdoor appliances and electric power tools. The third wire is a ground. Never plug these cords into an ungrounded electrical outlet.Don’t disconnect an extension cord by pulling the cord.... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jan 19, 2018
Crystalline silica is a common mineral in the earth's crust, and is found in many types of rock including sand, quartz, and granite. Silica is present in both work and non-work environments, and exposure to crystalline silica dust has long been known to cause a disease called silicosis. When you inhale crystalline silica the lung tissue reacts by... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jan 16, 2018
American politics is perhaps as broken as it has ever been when it comes to a number of issues, including the question of what to do about millions of undocumented workers.With more than 11 million unauthorized people living within our borders, rational people believe steadfastly that doing nothing is not an option. But that’s exactly what... read more
by Roland Mercier on Jan 15, 2018
Foreman Luis Espitia is leading our crew on the remodel of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston with General Contractor Satterfield and Pontikes. MAREK's turnkey contract includes framing, sheathing, roof trusses, rough carpentry, and thermal insulation, along with drywall, paint, acoustical plaster, and ceilings.The dome... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jan 10, 2018
At MAREK we take pride on everything we do. Our type of work is often performed at heights and working at heights can be hazardous-falls rank as the chief cause of death on the construction jobsite. That’s why MAREK is always looking for ways to protect their employees and get the work done more efficiently.Accidents involving ladders are usually... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jan 4, 2018
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... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Dec 28, 2017
MAREK hopes you had a great holiday season with your love ones. Is now time to look at our road ahead and is important to remember that safety is our top priority. We need to remember that we are not getting any younger and that an injury can not only put us out of work, but can also jeopardize your family’s well being.In fact, according to the... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Dec 20, 2017
PROJECT SAFE STATES:Only those employees who have been certified under the company’s stilt policy will be allowed to use stilts.STILTS POLICY STATES:Employees shall always use a ladder, scaffold, material stack, or wall for support when getting on or off stilts. When mounting stilts, the top leg strap first will be buckled first. When dismounting... read more
by Marek Brothers on Dec 19, 2017
Originally published on Construction Citizen and authored by Scott Braddock.Texas construction executives told state lawmakers this past week that there is an urgent need for more legal workers in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, a storm that worsened an already acute labor shortage along the Gulf Coast. The CEOs of various companies were asked... read more
by Shannon Zweifel on Dec 15, 2017
MAREK is one of over 30 sponsor companies who believes and invests in providing insight into the construction industry and our future through ACE Mentor. On December 2, MAREK hosted high school students and a multitude of volunteers to Build it Forward. The concept behind the event is to allow students themselves to fundraise for ACE and... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Dec 15, 2017
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... read more
by Marek Brothers on Dec 12, 2017
“What part of illegal don’t you understand?” is a common retort in discussions of what should be done about undocumented workers in industries such as construction. The answer isn’t as clear cut as it seems.
by Jorge Vazquez on Dec 12, 2017
A good safety culture with a free injury environment is one that has an effective way of communicating, so at Marek we begin looking for a solution to help all of our employees give their feedback, keep a consistent message between the office and the field and allow everyone to access training records, inspections forms, and safety observations... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Nov 28, 2017
All of us have exposed ourselves to possible injury by taking shortcuts when a few extra seconds would have meant doing something the safe way. We did this as children when we jumped the fence instead of using the gate. We do it today when we cross streets between intersections instead of at corners.Many people show disregard for the fact that... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Nov 21, 2017
PROJECT SAFE STATES:Only those employees who have been certified under the company’s stilt policy will be allowed to use stilts.STILTS POLICY STATES:Employees shall always use a ladder, scaffold, material stack, or wall for support when getting on or off stilts. When mounting stilts, the top leg strap first will be buckled first. When dismounting... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Nov 15, 2017
Sprains and strains continue to be one of the highest types of injuries within our company. By following a few simple rules, many of these injuries can be avoided or their severity greatly reduced. Medical evidence has shown that performing warm-up exercises before work and after breaks reduces strain and sprain type injuries.These rules are:Warm... read more
