by Jorge Vazquez on Aug 12, 2020
How long you work for us is based on how you safely perform your job and meet the production expectations of your supervisor.
Every Front Line Supervisor is responsible for timely reporting of all work-related injuries, accidents and fall exposures. To properly carry out his duties, today we are reviewing with all employees, the... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Aug 5, 2020
There are several dangers on job sites simple because of the nature of construction work. When the natural hazards found on construction jobs sites are compounded with clutter and debris, the hazard level increases and the potential for an accident or an injury substantially increases. A construction site with poor housekeeping creates an unsafe... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jul 29, 2020
The following article was authored by Angela Robbins and originally published on Construction Career Collaborative.
I love school. Those closest to me might even say it is one of my favorite places. Schools are full of potential, dreams, and hope for the future. They are alive with possibility. They represent the pipeline of future workforce... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 29, 2020
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
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 22, 2020
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 are being use. Their greatest hazards are misuse and improper maintenance.
Therefore, the Marek Family of Companies provides the necessary equipment... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 16, 2020
While CDC recognizes that wearing cloth face coverings may not be possible in every situation, we would like to point out a few examples on how to continue using your face covering in a safe manner.
For example,
On jobsites, wear a face covering over your nose and mouth. If you are performing a task requiring a respirator, face shield, or... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 9, 2020
In any company, whether differences among members are great or small, functioning as a team is critical to success.
In today’s meeting, we want to focus on behaviors that violate these principles in the worst way. We are speaking of verbal and physical confrontations, more commonly known as "having words” and fighting.
Our company’s response to... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 1, 2020
O.S.H.A. identifies falls as one of the four leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. This is why employees must be trained to recognize fall exposures and have the authority to take corrective actions.
I. We have all heard the expression - ‘it’s not the fall that’s hurts but the sudden stop at the end’. Think of a fall as “...a... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jun 25, 2020
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 more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jun 17, 2020
Note to Supervisors: Read and prepare. Your objective is to point out the dangers of the most common – AND PREVENTABLE – causes of serious accidents. Explain practices to help avoid these types of accidents. You should hold this meeting on the floor so you can move around and point out and identify possible slip, trip and fall hazards.
We have... read more
by Stan Marek on Jun 17, 2020
With the start of hurricane season, a reporter called to ask if we have the labor to rebuild from a major storm. My answer was immediate: No. Not even close. We still haven’t recovered from the last major storm — Harvey — because of a severe labor shortage in construction.
Much has happened in the ensuing three years that has made the labor... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jun 11, 2020
The “War on Falls” was declared with only one thing in mind – to prevent injuries by eliminating fall exposures. Zero tolerance and suspensions are merely tools to deal with a violation after it occurs. The ultimate goal is eliminate the exposure in the first place. That can only be accomplished by each and every one of us understanding what is... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jun 3, 2020
Safely covering a floor opening with a piece of plywood requires more than just laying down the material over the hole, or even nailing it down.
Total on the job safety means a total job of eliminating a hazard. Half a job or inadequate or incomplete jobs of covering holes in the floor. Why did it happen?
Although originally nailed down with 8d... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on May 27, 2020
This guidance is based on what we currently know about COVID-19 as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
Everyday Prevention
• Wash your hands often.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at... read more
by Marek Brothers on May 21, 2020
The following article was authored by David C. Phillips and originally published in AWCI's Construction Dimensions magazine.
A recent survey of the construction industry revealed that the biggest concerns among contractors for 2020 are not a lack of work, but worker quality and worker shortages, which can result in companies walking away from... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on May 21, 2020
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 more
by Jorge Rodriguez on May 14, 2020
ANSI and OSHA do not reference a maximum service life for synthetic fiber products. ANSI and OSHA standards require that the user remove the equipment from service if it has been subject to the forces of arresting a fall. ANSI A10.32-2012 does not specify a 5-year harness and lanyard service life. It states that "fall protection equipment shall... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on May 6, 2020
Water
The 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 more
by Marek Brothers on Apr 30, 2020
The following tribute to Ralph Marek was authored by Pat Kiley, a managing director with FMI, founding principal of Kiley Advisors LLC, and served as chief staff executive for AGC Houston.
Our Houston AGC Chapter and the entire construction industry stands today in sacred silence, saluting the accomplished life of Ralph Marek. This remarkable man... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Apr 29, 2020
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 gloves (PPE) while handling metal framing, trash and... read more
