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Check out what's happening at Marek and in the construction industry.
IN THE NEWS.
by 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 moreby Marek Brothers on
The following was authored by Texas A&M Construction Science Professor Edelmiro Escamilla, and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.As an Assistant Instructional Professor from Texas A&M University's Department of Construction Science who teaches materials and methods, construction graphics, as well as construction project… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Notice to supervisors: If you are not using stilts on your job, make sure you mention the War on Falls for ladders, lifts, scaffolds, guardrails and holes. Make sure you also mention the two-day suspension for any fall exposure. WAR ON FALLS STILTSPROJECT SAFE STATES:Only those employees who have been certified under the company’s stilt… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was written by Pat Kiley of Kiley Advisors LLC and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.On April 9, Stan Marek, CEO of Marek, was inducted into Texas A&M University’s Constructor Hall of Fame. I had the honor of introducing him with this tribute:My name is Pat Kiley, and I want to thank Joe Horlen and Mike… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic:GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERSGround 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”… read moreby Arthur Ehmling on
What a great day April 11th was! Three of Marek’s trainees from the Workforce Development Program and Houston Workforce Development Head Coach spent the day at Houston Independent School District’s “When I Grow Up Career Expo”. There were over one hundred companies, schools, and community organizations that had booths to give students a look and… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Elizabeth McPherson, and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.I recently visited Pasadena ISD’s Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School (CTHS) on a day when a group of high school juniors were receiving hands-on training in drywall installation by professionals from Marek Houston. I… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic: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 US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 25… read more