In the Blog.

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon WEAR EYE PROTECTION PROPERLY We have talked about eye protection many times in the past. There is no question how fragile our eyes are and how important it is to protect them. We all know when to wear eye protection on the job, but today we want to talk about other eye injuries that occur and how to prevent them. The majority of eye… read more

by Marek Brothers on

Toolbox Talk Icon NOTE: Open Enrollment period starts May 10 and ends June 2, 2023. All benefits related information and actions will take place in MyMAREK. NEW: Medical, Vision, and Dental plans are moving to Blue Cross Blue Shield of TX . If you do not complete your enrollment, your coverage elections will remain the same, except for FSA, Dependent… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Tools and equipment include anything like 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… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon 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 eliminating the exposure in the first place. That can only be accomplished by each one of us understanding what is… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon SILICA DUST AWARENESS Crystalline silica is a common mineral in the earth's crust and is found in many types of rock including sand, quartz, and granite. Silica is present in both work and non-work environments, and exposure to crystalline silica dust has long been known to cause a disease called silicosis. When you inhale crystalline… read more

by Marek Brothers on

Marek Firestopping Team In new construction, MAREK is able to coordinate with MEP trade partners to provide a comprehensive penetration and joint firestop package, using single source manufactured products as is often required per project specifications. On existing buildings, MAREK can provide an extensive survey of the life safety drawings in… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon 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 injuries are common. Foot… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon 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 gloves (PPE… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon 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 line supervisor is responsible for timely reporting of all work-related injuries, accidents and fall exposures. To properly carry out duties, today we are… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon Line of Fire Safety Talk 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… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon WAR ON FALLS STILTS PROJECT SAFE STATES: Only those employees who have been certified under the company’s stilt policy will be allowed to use stilts. STILTS POLICY STATES: Employees shall always use a stable surface, scaffold, material stack, or wall for support when getting on or off stilts. When mounting stilts, the top leg strap first… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon 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. When medical attention is warranted,… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon Notice to Supervisors: Mandatory Demonstration requires a Minimum of 20 minutes to effectively cover topic. Sprains and Strains Sprains and strains continue to be one of the highest types of injuries within our company. By following a few simple rules, many of these injuries can be avoided or their severity greatly reduced. Medical… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon 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 and tardiness are not only inconvenient, they are also costly problems. While it is recognized that occasional illness or personal reasons… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon NOTE: The MAREK Employee Handbook for all full-time MAREK employees has been revised and updated. Beginning Monday, January 16, 2023, employees will need to complete the learning course that is assigned to them in MyMAREK and acknowledge that it has been read and understood. You can access in MyMarek by going to ME→LEARNING→Current Learning… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon 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 serious workplace hazard… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon SAFETY IN YOUR LIFE 2023 MAREK hopes you had a great holiday season with your loved ones. It is now time to look at our road ahead and it's important to 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 your family’s… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon 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 conditions The following… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon SILICA DUST AWARENESS  Crystalline silica is a common mineral in the earth's crust and is found in many types of rock including sand, quartz, and granite. Silica is present in both work and non-work environments, and exposure to crystalline silica dust has long been known to cause a disease called silicosis. When you inhale crystalline… read more

by Jorge Vazquez on

Toolbox Talk Icon Web-Tex Scaffold Safety 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… read more