by Jorge Vazquez on Aug 14, 2019
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 Marek Brothers on Aug 12, 2019
I have always been a no-nonsense girl and have rarely taken ‘no’ for an answer in my career. The idea of not being allowed to do something simply because I am a woman is difficult for me to tolerate. But this has been a reality for women in the workplace for generations. Although much has been done to create a more equal career opportunity for... read more
by Marek Brothers on Aug 12, 2019
The filmmakers at The Rational Middle this week put a bow on the first season of their immigration documentary series, calling it a “holistic view” of the issue they hope will “inform the public, shape sensible policy solutions and create a deeper understanding of this important challenge.”
by Marek Brothers on Aug 12, 2019
The following article about the construction and design of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston building called the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, was authored by Jim Kollaer and originally published on Construction Citizen. MAREK is involved in this project and our scope of work includes Drywall, Tape & Float, Thermal Insulation, Acoustical... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Aug 7, 2019
At the Marek Family of Companies we thrive on having safe equipment. Keep in mind that equipment is only as safe as the people who use it are. We have two sizes of the Web-Tex scaffolds: 6’ and 8’. You should use the smallest size possible to reach your work.Today you will discuss the proper uses for a Web-Tex Scaffold, covering the following... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 30, 2019
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 more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 23, 2019
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 18, 2019
The following article was authored by Scott Braddock and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.Business leaders, educators, and others should be doing all they can to come up with innovative ways to meet the challenge of filling so-called “middle-skill” jobs in Southeast Texas and beyond. That message came through loud and clear during... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 17, 2019
RAIN CAN RUIN A JOBRain may be good for the farmer, but it can turn the jobsite into a giant mud pie. The rain can ruin materials and supplies and generally make things downright messy. Steel gets slippery, equipment gets stuck, and workers get wet. By covering equipment, materials, tools, supplies and people, rain doesn’t have a chance to do as... read more
by Stan Marek on Jul 15, 2019
The lowest unemployment rate in decades is great news, and yet many employers are facing the biggest labor crisis they have faced in years. Full employment is great if everyone working is playing by the same rules. In Texas, more than in any other state, the large number of undocumented workers tend to change the dynamics.An estimated 2 million... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jul 11, 2019
As the 2018-2019 school year closes and we watch the first wave of craft workers hired from the C3 Career Fair enter the workforce as they move beyond graduation, I am reminded how life is full of milestones and moments that mark our progress. These milestones are important. They mark the significant achievements along our path.
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 10, 2019
Most hazards found at jobsites are man made, while others were there before construction began. Those are the ones that fly, crawl and slither.Insects—Protection from bites and stings is your first defense. Some personal protection measures you can use to avoid getting stung include:Avoid swatting at flying insects. Instead, gently brush them... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jul 3, 2019
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 Marek Brothers on Jun 28, 2019
When you ask Sam Nunez, Corporate Controller at MAREK, what he thinks about training programs at work, he will give you a straightforward answer. “It’s not an option, it’s a must. You’ve got to have (a training program.)” In fact, Sam believes in the value of training employees so much, that he recently shared his insight on a panel at the... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jun 26, 2019
The following article was authored by Construction Career Collaborative Executive Director Chuck Gremillion.Nearly ten years ago, a group of leaders in the Houston commercial construction industry met to discuss its biggest future challenge, an aging and diminishing craft workforce. Baby Boomers were (and still are) reaching retirement age at the... read more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jun 26, 2019
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 more
by Jorge Vazquez on Jun 17, 2019
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 be... read more
by Marek Brothers on Jun 13, 2019
Having heart, ambition, persistence humility, and the ability to build relationships can be the difference between career advancement and unemployment.
by Jorge Vazquez on Jun 10, 2019
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 Marek Brothers on Jun 4, 2019
The annual Build Your Future Construction Career Day hosted by Construction Education Foundation (CEF) was rescheduled due to extreme weather from last October to April 18, 2019.
