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Check out what's happening at Marek and in the construction industry.
IN THE NEWS.
With 41 Percent of Construction Workforce Retiring by 2031, the Industry Needs to Get Moving with C3
by Marek Brothers on
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 moreby Marek Brothers on
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 moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Ileana Najarro and originally published in the Houston Chronicle.The men in hardhats compacting fake stone, pouring concrete and handling other jobs on the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston work site typically are paired up based on experience levels. Thus, a 20-year construction veteran often finds himself working… read moreby Marek Brothers on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Marek Brothers on
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 moreby Roland Mercier on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Marek Brothers on
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… read moreby Shannon Zweifel on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Marek Brothers on
“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
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 moreby Marek Brothers on
The fact that President Donald Trump’s administration is cracking down on unauthorized immigrants in the wake of Hurricane Harvey is already making it much harder to rebuild portions of the Gulf Coast. That’s according to an Associated Press report out this week that suggests unauthorized workers are badly needed in the rebuilding effort while… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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