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Check out what's happening at Marek and in the construction industry.
IN THE NEWS.
by Marek Brothers on
On Friday July 24th, the Atlanta Branch of Marek was honored at the Annual Gilbane Appreciation Breakfast and awarded the Subcontractor of the Year. Marek had the privilege of working this past year on Restoration Hardware’s new flagship store in Atlanta’s famed Buckhead.Marek Atlanta and Gilbane Building Company worked tirelessly to meet an… read moreby Marek Brothers on
Here at Marek, we take great pride in not only the work that we're awarded, but also the people we employ. Receiving feedback on our employees is something that not only helps build morale, it helps bring us together as a company. This week we received an email from a Superintendent with Whiting-Turner about Marek foreman Gregorio Cardenas, who is… read moreby Marek Brothers on
Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Greater Houston presented the Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) awards at the July ABC Membership Breakfast. The Greater Houston chapter has 70 contractor member companies who are participating in STEP - including 52 Diamond and Platinum level recipients, the highest of the program’s… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Project Safe new policy states: GLOVES: Employees will wear cut resistant gloves level 3 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… read moreby Marek Brothers on
In a post on Construction Citizen, Executive Director of Construction Career Collaborative (C3) Chuck Gremillion discusses the inaugural C3 Town Hall meetings recently held in Houston:If one thing is for certain, the Construction Career Collaborative (C3) and its message continue to resonate throughout the commercial building industry. That is not… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic: Read, Be Prepared and Demonstrate to All EmployeesAttention All Foremen: You will demonstrate a powder-actuated tool to all your employees today. Safe production practices need to be covered in this meeting. You may choose to demonstrate multiple tools with live firing. Powder actuated fastening tools have many things in common… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was originally published in the July edition of AWCI's Construction Dimensions magazine. Don Procter writes about Marek's Dallas Division President and AWCI President John Hinson.Anyone who knows John Hinson can tell you that he has a lot to say in any conversation about the state of immigration reform and the abuse of… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic: Notice to Supervisors & Safety Advisors: Read and prepare for DEMONSTRATION of TOOL INSPECTION. Use a volunteer for demonstration.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… read moreby Marek Brothers on
Editor’s note: The following was authored by Jerry Nevlud, President and CEO of AGC Houston, and originally published in Cornerstone, the quarterly magazine of AGC Houston. Reprinted with permission.“If you want something done, ask a busy person.” I am not sure to whom or what Benjamin Franklin was referring when he made the… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
There’s one hand tool that demands your respect over many others in the workplace, a tool that can cut you to the bone in an instant . . . the utility knife.Many workers use utility knives to cut drywall, ceiling tile, strapping, puncture shrinkwrap and open packaging. But one wrong move and these blades can do serious harm. In fact, nearly 40… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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, because many men were exposed to heat in the… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
At the Marek Family of Companies 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 the Marek Family of Companies is always looking for ways to protect their employees and get the work done more… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
You are at risk from falling objects when you are beneath equipment, scaffolds, etc., or where overhead work is being performed. There is a danger from flying objects when power tools, or activities like pushing, pulling, or prying, may cause objects to become airborne. Injuries can range from minor abrasions to concussions, blindness, or death.… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
WaterThe 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 of work. That can add up to a lot of water! Water is the best, but it only helps you if you… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
WHY TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER?Actually, we have no control over rain, snow, sleet, wind, lightning or sunshine. But we can control what happens on our job as a result of the elements. Some of the biggest problems on construction jobs are caused by wind and lightning. Wind probably causes the most accidents; lightning can be deadly.WATCH OUT FOR… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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, because many men were exposed to heat in the… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
The Marek Family of companies takes a lot of effort in making sure each employee has the safest working environment possible. They make sure all the tools are in safe and working condition. All of our scaffolds and ladders are inspected before their use.They inspect all these for anything that may compromise its intended purpose, in other words… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The $10 million renovation of Francis Hall at Texas A&M University puts the school in a one-of-a-kind position among institutions of higher education in the state. It is the only building anywhere in Texas dedicated solely to the education of construction sciences, according to Joe Horlen, who heads up the Department of Construction Science… read moreby Marek Brothers on
John Hinson, division president of the Dallas office of Marek, will be president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) effective July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016.As AWCI president, Hinson presides over meetings of the AWCI board of directors and the AWCI executive committee as chairman. As president, he appoints all members… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Note to Supervisors: If there have been struck-by accidents in your area, be prepared to discuss them with employees. Listen to their ideas; they may have the answer you have been looking for. Also, mention any hazards that may be unique to your operation.Probably the most unpredictable type of accident is being struck by a moving object, because… read more