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Check out what's happening at Marek and in the construction industry.
IN THE NEWS.
by Jorge Vazquez on
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 silica, the lung tissue reacts by… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
WHY TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER?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 WINDDon't let… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Scott Braddock and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.Our partners at Community Family Centers (CFC) in Houston's historic East End are taking a major step forward in offering construction training to those who want to step into fulfilling careers in the industry. Starting this month, the… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 hole in the floor. Why did it happen?Although originally nailed down with 8d… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The goal of all craft training is to build new knowledge, skills and abilities in our craft workforce. The best way to ensure this happens is to build programs that include both passive and active forms of learning activities. Passive learning occurs during lectures, videos, readings, and demonstrations. The learner is engaged with the content but… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Jim Kollaer and originally published on Construction Citizen.Recently, I attended two screenings of the third and newly minted video from the Rational Middle on Immigration, a series of documentaries undertaken by the Rational Middle's media team and the Center for Houston’s Future.The first was held at the… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 evidence has shown that performing warm-up exercises before work and after breaks reduces strain and sprain type injuries.These rules are:… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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, ceiling tile, strapping, puncture shrinkwrap and open packaging. But one wrong move and these blades can do serious harm.In fact, nearly… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Chuck Gremillion, Executive Director of the Construction Career Collaborative (C3).One of the challenges of establishing the credibility of the C3 formula for success has been the difficulty in collecting data that illustrates the value of craft training. When we began to collect the data that makes the case… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
WaterThe 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 moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Ulf Wolf and originally published on Construction Dimensions.Over the last several years, many of AWCI’s member contractors have voiced the concern that they see no clear candidate to hand the reins when the day comes to retire. Also, they wish there were more young aspirants entering our industry—both as crew… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Dan Zulli and originally published in Construction News.John Hinson has been with Marek Brothers Systems since 1984, right out of college. He was transferred to its Dallas office in 1988 and became the division president the following year.But despite being born and raised in east Texas, when it comes to… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Michelle Neundorfer and originally published on Construction Citizen.On April 11, United Tool and Fastener had the privilege of attending and presenting at the 6th annual Texas Construction Career Initiative (TCCI) 2018 High School Construction Career Day at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall in San Antonio. More… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
An injury because of a fall is a major problem in construction. More than 20,000 people are killed every year due to a fall. Only traffic accidents cause more tragedy. Falling hazards on jobsites are grouped into three general categories:Falls on the same level.Falls from an elevated area.Being struck by a falling object.Slipping, tripping or… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Note to Supervisors: Read and prepare for meeting by looking over your jobsite and how your personnel are approaching their jobs. Carelessness is not acceptable.Project Safe states quite simply:Employee Basic Safety Rules, Safe Work Habits: “Careless disregard for the safety of other employees will not be tolerated and is grounds for immediate… read moreby Marek Brothers on
A group of college students, faculty, and guests spent their spring break this year travelling to the Houston area from Auburn, Alabama to volunteer on work crews repairing homes damaged during Hurricane Harvey last August. The group included seven graduate and undergraduate students and two faculty members from the McWhorter School of Building… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 injuries do not occur because we failed to… read more