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Check out what's happening at Marek and in the construction industry.
IN THE NEWS.
by 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
The Marek Family of companies takes a lot of effort in making sure each employee has the safest working environment possible. They make sure all the tools are in safe and working condition. All of our scaffolds and ladders are inspected before their use.They inspect all these for anything that may compromise its intended purpose, in other words… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The $10 million renovation of Francis Hall at Texas A&M University puts the school in a one-of-a-kind position among institutions of higher education in the state. It is the only building anywhere in Texas dedicated solely to the education of construction sciences, according to Joe Horlen, who heads up the Department of Construction Science… read moreby Marek Brothers on
John Hinson, division president of the Dallas office of Marek, will be president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) effective July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016.As AWCI president, Hinson presides over meetings of the AWCI board of directors and the AWCI executive committee as chairman. As president, he appoints all members… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Note to Supervisors: If there have been struck-by accidents in your area, be prepared to discuss them with employees. Listen to their ideas; they may have the answer you have been looking for. Also, mention any hazards that may be unique to your operation.Probably the most unpredictable type of accident is being struck by a moving object, because… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following was authored by Texas A&M Construction Science Professor Edelmiro Escamilla, and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.As an Assistant Instructional Professor from Texas A&M University's Department of Construction Science who teaches materials and methods, construction graphics, as well as construction project… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Notice to supervisors: If you are not using stilts on your job, make sure you mention the War on Falls for ladders, lifts, scaffolds, guardrails and holes. Make sure you also mention the two-day suspension for any fall exposure. WAR ON FALLS STILTSPROJECT SAFE STATES:Only those employees who have been certified under the company’s stilt… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was written by Pat Kiley of Kiley Advisors LLC and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.On April 9, Stan Marek, CEO of Marek, was inducted into Texas A&M University’s Constructor Hall of Fame. I had the honor of introducing him with this tribute:My name is Pat Kiley, and I want to thank Joe Horlen and Mike… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic:GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERSGround Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are devices designed to prevent accidental electric shock and electrocution by preventing ground faults. They also protect against electrical fires, tool/appliance overheating, and destruction of wire insulation. GFCI’s are required by building code in “wet”… read moreby Arthur Ehmling on
What a great day April 11th was! Three of Marek’s trainees from the Workforce Development Program and Houston Workforce Development Head Coach spent the day at Houston Independent School District’s “When I Grow Up Career Expo”. There were over one hundred companies, schools, and community organizations that had booths to give students a look and… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Elizabeth McPherson, and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.I recently visited Pasadena ISD’s Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School (CTHS) on a day when a group of high school juniors were receiving hands-on training in drywall installation by professionals from Marek Houston. I… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic:Note to Supervisors: Read and prepare. Your objective is to demonstrate and prepare a scissor lift for the meeting to identify the hazards of an aerial lift. You have to make sure your employees are trained and aware of any hazards before they can use an aerial lift.The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 25… read moreby Paul Godwin on
Point Layout is Autodesk’s field point layout software used to generate layout points from a 3D model, CAD files, or DWG files. These points are then exported to a total station in the field that is used to layout the project quickly and in a more accurate manner than through manual layout. When properly applied, it can result in layout being… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic: Slips, Trips and Falls (Fall Prevention)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… read moreby Marek Brothers on
The following article was authored by Elizabeth McPherson, and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.Last week a group of construction professionals from Marek once again volunteered their time to instruct high school students in drywall installation at their new state-of-the-art Pasadena Independent School District facility. … read moreby Marek Brothers on
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Mandatory Topic:Note to Supervisors: Read and prepare for meeting by looking over your jobsite and how your personnel are approaching their jobs. Using common sense and paying attention to detail can prevent most accidents. Carelessness is not acceptable.Performing construction work can be dangerous for the inexperienced construction worker. Even… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on
Notice to Supervisors: Mandatory Demonstration requires a Minimum of 20 minutes to effectively cover topic. 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… read moreby Marek Brothers on
Sabra Phillips has joined The Marek Companies headquartered in Houston, Texas as the Director of Talent Development. Phillips will lead Marek’s talent and workforce development program focused on enhancing the skills and careers of people at all levels of the Marek team across the award-winning subcontractor’s offices in Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth… 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.FALL PROTECTION-EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMSAn injury because of a fall is a major problem in construction. More than 20,… read more