News + Blog + Social
Check out what's happening at Marek and in the construction industry.
IN THE NEWS.
by Jorge Vazquez on
UTILITY KNIFE SAFETY! 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 and ceiling tile, strap, puncture shrink-wrap, and open packaging. But one wrong move and these… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Note: Open Enrollment period starts May 12 and ends June 6, 2025. All benefits-related information and actions will take place in MyMAREK. If you do not complete your enrollment, your coverage elections will remain the same, except for FSA, Dependent Care, and HSA. For those accounts, you’ll have to log in and specify your annual… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Tools and equipment include anything from ladders, scaffolds, utility knives, extension cords, hammers, etc. They seem simple, but tools and equipment can be hazardous on the job site or anywhere they are being used. Their greatest hazards are misuse and improper maintenance. Therefore, the… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
MATERIAL HANDLING AND HAND SAFETY Sharp edges and puncture hazards When 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… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Stretch & Flex Construction is an athletic event! The importance of being warmed up before starting construction work (or any work involving heavy lifting) is just like getting ready for a sporting event. Stretching is a means to avoid the most common body sprain/strain injuries. Stretching before lifting is especially helpful to… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
The term “line of fire” is very common when talking about the hazards of a work task. Depending on the work being completed, there may be many different lines of fire or there could be very few. It is important to understand the “line of fire” and how to avoid being in it to prevent injuries. What is the “Line of Fire”?A simple definition of… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Workplace Solicitation & Safety Policies We are committed to maintaining a safe, productive, and professional work environment at MAREK. To ensure that all employees can focus on their tasks without distractions, we have clear guidelines regarding the solicitation and distribution of materials in the workplace. Our Solicitation… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
GRAFFITI PREVENTION: PROTECTING OUR PROJECTS Good morning, team. Today's toolbox talk will focus on an important issue that affects our construction sites: graffiti. Graffiti not only damages the appearance of our sites but can also have significant repercussions on our projects. We must understand the impact of… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
EYES ARE PRICELESS Let's take a quick test. How many basic senses do we have at birth? Name them. Is it one.... two.... four? I'm sure we all agree the answer is FIVE. These five senses are SIGHT, HEARING, TASTE, TOUCH and SMELL. If you were faced with sacrificing four of these five… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK PART III DISCIPLINARY POLICY All 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… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
SAFETY HELMET GUIDANCE UPDATE Effective January 2, 2025, all locations will use the new Safety Helmet Type II as our standard for head protection. This change applies to all workers performing work at any of our Marek Brothers System projects, regardless of their employment status—whether full-time, part-time, temporary or under… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK PART II ACCIDENTS In 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. … read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK PART I ATTENDANCE Regular 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, tardiness, or early departures are not only inconvenient, but they are also costly problems. While it is recognized that… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
HAZARD ANALYSIS WORKING AROUND SPRINKLERS OR ELECTRICAL AREAS Notice to Supervisors: Read and prepare for safety meeting. Make sure all employees understand the importance of following our Hazard Analysis and the procedures to work around sprinkler and electrical areas. Electricity has long been recognized as a… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
SAFETY IN YOUR LIFE 2025 MAREK hopes you had a great holiday season with your loved ones. Is now time to look at our road ahead and 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 our family’s well-being.… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
SAFETY HELMET GUIDANCE Effective January 2, 2025, all locations will use the new Safety Helmet Type II as our standard for head protection. This change applies to all workers performing work at any of our Marek Brothers System projects, regardless of their employment status—whether full-time, part-time, temporary or under any… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
BATTERY-POWERED OUTERWEAR SAFETY Understanding the Risks Today, we're here to discuss an important aspect of our safety at work and in our daily lives – batterypowered outerwear. With the advent of technology, battery-powered heated jackets, vests, and other outerwear have become popular, providing warmth and comfort in cold… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
OUR VISION NOBODY GETS HURT 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 the blood vessels that supply your… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
COLD WEATHER SAFETY 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… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
ABSENTEEISM AND SAFETY HOW NOT BEING THERE AFFECTS EVERYONE 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… read more