President Trump's hastily arranged ban on foreigners traveling to the United States from select countries sparked protests, invited a court fight, and helped make the case for large-scale immigration reform - even if that last result was not a consequence he intended.During the campaign and in defending his most recent immigration actions, Trump… read more
The construction industry today more than ever is an industry that focuses on the horizon, and the 2017 AIA/TEXO Economic Outlook Forum in Dallas was just another example. This annual event provides both architects and contractors the opportunity to hear from nationally renowned economists such as Anirban Basu as well as leading developers who… read more
Bob NoPay has a problem that affects a lot of employees; he is speaking to his Production Manager on Friday about a short check. When all the facts are reviewed, Bob finds out that his attendance is the problem, not a clerical error from his foreman or payroll.Absenteeism impacts Marek in many ways. Your foreman and Production Manager can explain… read more
Project Safe new policy states:GLOVES: Employees will wear gloves any time they are handling any metal material including but not limited to, studs, track, ceiling grid, corner bead or any other sharp-edged or pointed material that creates an exposure for cuts or puncture wounds. In addition, gloves will be required anytime an employee is handling… read more
Through their various trade associations, construction executives from all over Texas are letting state lawmakers know what they think about issues that impact the industry. The Texas Construction Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas, and other groups have compiled lists of reforms and proposed changes to state laws… read more
John L., Bill, & Ralph Marek founded the Marek Family of Companies with a strong commitment to its employees and their families. The Marek brothers' tradition of developing and nurturing its employees provides a unique opportunity for individuals looking for a career in the construction industry. For that reason, the Marek Scholarship was… read more
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to such dangers as electrical shock, electrocution, fires and explosions. However when we talk about fires, is also important to mention that sprinkler systems are installed in projects to prevent fire breakouts inside buildings, but when these lines with high-… read more
The following article was authored by Scott Braddock and originally published in ConstructionCitizen.com. Braddock discusses a recent Bloomberg article where Marek CEO Stan Marek was interviewed.President Donald Trump's proposed border wall isn't just highly controversial. Now that he’s been elected and has begun the process of fulfilling… read more
DISCIPLINARY POLICYAll companies, no matter what their business, have certain rules of behavior which must be observed to ensure a productive, safe operation. The Marek Companies are no exception. For the welfare of all of us who work together on a day-to-day basis, certain actions are serious enough to warrant disciplinary procedures. Therefore,… read more
It is always gratifying to witness a group of construction leaders gathering to discuss the state of our workforce and what might be done if we acted in concert.
I experienced that recently in Atlanta, Georgia at a meeting of the Construction Industry Employer's Roundtable. As a guest of MAREK and MEMCO Atlanta, I joined approximately 12… read more
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
During a nationally televised report on Fox News Channel, a prominent Texas construction executive said President-elect Donald Trump has a chance to be both tough and smart on border security and immigration.Stan Marek, President and CEO of the Marek Family of Companies, said the President-elect needs to enact immigration reform that identifies… read more
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
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
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
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
When was the last time you saw someone "on the job" also on their phone? In a single day a large number of employees are checking their phones:Reading and typing text messages while trying to operate power toolsUpdating social platforms with their latest selfies and posting unsafe condition of their work area.While in the Porta Potty taking a… read more
This article was authored by Amy King, Communications Manager for NCCER and was originally published on Breaking Ground: the NCCER Blog, and was re-posted with permission.When you think of the future, what do you think of? Is it self-driving cars, robotic vacuums or the ability to talk to people through your watch? If so, then the future… read more
Last month the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) unveiled their stunning new space in Partnership Tower which will serve as a meeting place for heads of state, senior business leaders from around the world, and others who visit to learn more about the greater Houston area. The construction of the space was achieved using the principles of the… read more
Why is accident prevention so important? Do you view accident prevention as simply a way to avoid getting hurt? Do you work safely just because you want to? Perhaps you view accident prevention as a way of keeping the company happy or your supervisor off your back. Maybe you just do it because you have been told to.Of course there are many reasons… read more