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Check out what's happening at Marek and in the construction industry.
IN THE NEWS.
by Whitney Martin on
Did you know that the USS Lexington, built in 1942, participated in nearly every major operation during WWII AND was BUILT BY WOMEN? Yes, you read that correctly, this 42,000 ton, 910 foot war machine was constructed by women.Women have played major roles in construction for decades. During WWII and the Korean conflict, women had to take the… 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 John Hinson on
Marek Dallas Division President John Hinson wrote the following President’s Message for AWCI's Construction Dimensions magazine. Hinson is the 2015-2016 President of AWCI.Here’s an inspiring tale about someone I think of as part of the Greatest Generation. He is a founding father of the Marek Company.When I first hired on, the Mareks owned some… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic: Notice to Supervisors & Safety Advisors: Read and prepare for DEMONSTRATION of BODY HARNESS. Make sure all employees understand the importance of wearing a body harness properly, use a volunteer for demonstration.An injury because of a fall is a major problem in construction. More than 20,000 people are killed every year due… read moreby Shannon Zweifel on
There’s no doubt that education looks different in 2016. Students are provided with many opportunities to try and experience a variety of careers through technical schools, career fairs and internships. Marek teammates enjoy the time they get to spend with students, answering questions and providing a glimpse into the construction industry… read moreby Stan Marek on
Originally published in the Houston Chronicle.As someone intimately familiar with the economic realities of the situation, I am quite disappointed by the immigration arguments made by the Texas Attorney General’s Office before the United States Supreme Court this past week.Regardless of your position on President Obama’s executive action… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 moreby Shannon Zweifel on
Have you ever been asked what you wanted to be when you grow up? When you answered, were you encouraged to explore these opportunities? Were your options limitless? On Saturday, April 9th, Houston ISD students did just that. Students ranging from kindergarten to seniors in high school were able to explore career opportunities and picture… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Even a simple extension cords 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. Don’t disconnect an extension cord by pulling the cord.… read moreby Mike Holland on
Marek Chief Operating Officer Mike Holland wrote the following "Letter from the Chair" for ABC Houston's Build Houston magazine. Holland is the 2016 ABC Greater Houston Chair.I write this message with great pride as I return from the ABC Workforce week in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. While the primary focus of the event is the National… 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 John Hinson on
Marek Dallas Division President John Hinson wrote the following President’s Message for AWCI's Construction Dimensions magazine. Hinson is the 2015-2016 President of AWCI.A friend recently called me to vent about an audit by the Department of Homeland Security on his concrete business. Seeing me as an understanding ear, he related the impact this… 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 Jorge Vazquez on
Project Safe new policy states:GLOVES: Employees will wear gloves any time they are handling any metal material including but not limited to, studs, track, ceiling grid, corner bead or any other sharp-edged or pointed material that creates an exposure for cuts or puncture wounds. In addition, gloves will be required anytime an employee is handling… read moreby Mike Holland on
Marek Chief Operating Officer Mike Holland wrote the following "Letter from the Chair" for ABC Houston's Build Houston magazine. Holland is the 2016 ABC Greater Houston Chair.I want to wish all of our ABC Greater Houston members a happy and prosperous 2016. We are indeed blessed to be in Houston, and the great state of Texas. While the impact of… read moreby John Hinson on
Marek Dallas Division President John Hinson wrote the following President’s Message for AWCI's Construction Dimensions magazine. Hinson is the 2015-2016 President of AWCI.Brothers John, Bill (the AWCI’s president in 1984) and Ralph Marek founded Marek Brothers Company in 1938. While John and Bill have passed on to be with our Lord, Ralph, 90, is… 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
HOUSTON - The Greater Houston Partnership announced Thursday additional details about the organization’s office space in the new Partnership Tower. The build-out will be completed by Partnership member companies who demonstrate a commitment to developing and maintaining a quality and skilled construction workforce. The Partnership is joining with… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
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 all… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Your head is fragile and must be protected. A minor injury to any other part of your body would probably be a serious injury to your head. A recent study of motorcycle accidents revealed that there were three times more fatal or serious head injuries in a state not requiring helmets.In the construction industry more workers are killed each year… read more