WORKPLACE DISTRACTION When we do accident investigations, a lot of times we’ll find injuries can be attributed to some type of distraction.Although it may not be possible to eliminate distractions, experts say steps can be taken to minimize them and recognize when they occur. Different types of distractions When people are… read more
THE HEAT AFTER THE HOLIDAY If you are not sweating or you have not urinated, is it sign of dehydration? Did you know that after a holiday weekend, most people who consumed alcohol are more exposed to dehydration? Drinking alcoholic beverages in hot weather can have serious consequences. During extreme… read more
EXTENSION CORDS Even a simple extension cord needs to be looked after. It’s a shock or fire hazard when deteriorated, worn-out, or used improperly. Three-wire cords are for outdoor appliances and electric power tools. The third wire is a ground. Never plug these cords into an ungrounded electrical outlet.… read more
Stay Hydrated 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,… read more
WAR ON FALLS HOW TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT 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 supervisor is responsible for timely reporting of all work-related injuries, accidents, and fall exposures. To properly carry out his… read more
Heat Stress 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… read more
TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET Most people don’t think much about their feet, until a foot begins to hurt. Damage to even one bone, ligament, or muscle in the foot can be very painful and make it difficult or impossible for you to keep on your feet and do your job. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that work-related foot… read more
NOTE: MAREK is proud to provide valuable benefits to employees like you. To help you understand and take full advantage of these benefits, we’re offering paid in person meetings during work hours for our field employees. Please check and get approval from your supervisor to confirm which date you can attend. We will be… read more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
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 more
WORKPLACE DISTRACTION When we do accident investigations, a lot of times we’ll find injuries can be attributed to some type of distraction.Although it may not be possible to eliminate distractions, experts say steps can be taken to minimize them and recognize when they occur. Different types of distractions When people are… read more