by Jorge Vazquez on Jan 22, 2019
We have talked about eye protection many times in the past. There is no question 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 want to talk about other eye injuries that occur and how to prevent them. The majority of eye injuries do not occur because we failed to... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jan 16, 2019
As the new year gets underway, the filmmakers at The Rational Middle are digging into more aspects of immigration policy that have proven politically difficult if not impossible thus far. Case in point: DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program made possible through an executive order signed by then-President Barack Obama back in... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jan 15, 2019
ACCIDENTSIn the event an employee is involved in an accident or sustains an injury while on the job, they must report it to their supervisor immediately regardless of its severity. First aid supplies are normally maintained at jobsites to take care of certain minor injuries. When medical attention is warranted, the supervisor will assist the... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jan 9, 2019
ATTENDANCERegular and on-time attendance is essential to the efficient operations of the Company, and is an essential function of every employee’s job. Excessive absenteeism and tardiness are not only inconvenient, they are also costly problems. While it is recognized that occasional illness or personal reasons cause unavoidable absence or... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jan 8, 2019
The following article was authored by Mark L. Johnson and originally published in AWCI's Construction Dimensions.The construction industry faces labor shortages in most parts of the country. As a result, many wall and ceiling companies are turning away work, not seeing enough qualified job applicants available for hire in order to take on... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jan 2, 2019
Note to Supervisors: Read and prepare. Your objective is to demonstrate and prepare a scissor lift for the meeting to identify the hazards of an aerial lift. You have to make sure your employees are trained and aware of any hazards before they can use an aerial lift. The use of platforms is strictly prohibited and it would be considered a fall... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Dec 27, 2018
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 19, 2018
Do you often need to make strange or awkward movements to get your work done? Long reaches, twists, bends and stretches put your shoulders, back and elbows in uncomfortable and unnatural positions. These postures can injure your nerves and even blood vessels that supply your muscle.Merely reaching behind you or above your head can put your body... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Dec 12, 2018
Sharp edges and puncture hazardsWhen 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 - losing your grip and not wearing gloves (PPE) while handling metal framing, trash and... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Dec 5, 2018
Most people don’t think much about their feet, until a foot begins to hurt. Damage to even one bone, ligament, or muscle in the foot can be very painful and make it difficult or impossible for you to keep on your feet and do your job. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that work related foot injuries are common.Foot injuries can result from:... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Nov 28, 2018
At MAREK we care for our employees. Safety is a major role in everybody’s life and doing the right thing for the right reason is the key to our success. We, as a group of employees, must focus on safety and prevention by practicing problem identification and problem solving. To work at MAREK you must care about safety by paying attention to and... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Nov 20, 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 Nov 14, 2018
This zero tolerance means that certain unsafe employee actions will automatically result in suspension from work. So that employees understand what these actions are that will result in suspension, we will recap the WAR ON FALLS safety violations that will result in a minimum two-day suspension.LADDERSStanding on the top or first step of a... read more
by Mike Holland on Nov 12, 2018
On November 15th, I will be sleeping on the street along with more than 80 Houston business leaders. Not only will I be sleeping on the street, but we will be driving around offering support and food for those that often get brushed aside. This event raises awareness, and funds that give our homeless youth some hope.For more information on... read more
by Marek Brothers on Nov 8, 2018
In the October 2018 issue of Construction Dimensions, the national publication of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI), Mike Holland, COO of Houston-based MAREK and one of our authors, was quoted along with a group of national specialty contractors about the causes and possible solutions to the ongoing skilled labor shortages... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Nov 6, 2018
The Marek Family of Companies wants to take this opportunity to give thanks to the most important part of our business – YOU. We hope that you and your family have had a safe and healthy year. We hope you can spend these holidays with family and be able to give thanks for what you have.All of us at Marek can be thankful for another year. We want... read more
by Stan Marek on Nov 5, 2018
News of the caravan of migrants coming up from Central America toward the United States has once again put the subject of undocumented immigration front and center just as voters head to the polls across Texas and the nation.President Donald Trump’s hardline stance may drive his base to the polls, but even those folks want a long-term solution —... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Oct 30, 2018
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are devices designed to prevent accidental electric shock and electrocution by preventing ground faults. They also protect against electrical fires, tool/appliance overheating, and destruction of wire insulation. GFCI’s are required by building code in “wet” locations like kitchens, bathrooms and... read more
by Marek Brothers on Oct 25, 2018
Recently Stan Marek, CEO of the MAREK, a construction company with headquarters in Houston and branch offices in Atlanta, Austin, DFW, and San Antonio, was interviewed by Andy Uhler for National Public Radio’s Marketplace about the viability of the recently-filed E-Verify System Act of 2018.
by Jorge Vazquez on Oct 23, 2018
Tools and equipment include anything from ladders, scaffolds, utility knifes, extension cords, hammer, etc. They seem simple, but tools and equipment can be hazardous on the jobsite or anywhere they are being use. Their greatest hazards are misuse and improper maintenance.Therefore, the Marek Family of Companies provides the necessary equipment to... read more
