News + Blog + Social
Check out what's happening at Marek and in the construction industry.
IN THE NEWS.
by Jorge Vazquez on Jun 23, 2021
: Explain to your employees in your own words the importance of being safe for their families and friends.
DISTRACTIONS
Accidents occur for many reasons. In most jobsites people tend to look for "things" or “people” to blame when an accident happens, because it's easier than looking for "root causes… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Jun 17, 2021
NOTE:
• We recommend employees follow best practices and CDC/OSHA guidance in choosing when to wear a face covering. Masks will no longer be required in most cases.
As always, we will follow safety guidelines specific to our location or worksite. If a mask is required at a particular… read moreby Marek Brothers on Jun 9, 2021
Mandatory Topic:
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.… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Jun 2, 2021
Struck-By
Falling/Flying Objects
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… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on May 26, 2021
NOTE: Open Enrollment period ends June 4, 2021, you still have time to complete your enrollment. This is a passive enrollment, if you do not complete your enrollment, your coverage elections will remain the same, except for contributions to your Medical Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, or Health Savings… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on May 19, 2021
Tools and equipment include anything from 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 used. Their greatest hazards are misuse and improper maintenance.
Therefore, the Marek Family of Companies provides the… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on May 12, 2021
NOTE: Open enrollment period is May 17 to June 4, 2021. Be sure to login at MyMAREK.com and complete your enrollment.Virtual Meetings: May 19 at 4:30pm, May 20 at 4:30pm (SPANISH), May 25 at 11:30am and May 27 at 4:30pm (SPANISH).
Sharp edges and puncture hazards
When you are handling metal, remember the sharp… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on May 5, 2021
Note: Open Enrollment is here! This is your opportunity to examine your benefit choices and make changes to meet your current needs. The enrollment period is May 17, 2021 to June 4, 2021. We will be conducting virtual meetings this year, links for the meetings will go out via email and text soon. Be sure to login to MyMAREK.com to ensure you have… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Apr 28, 2021
O.S.H.A. identifies falls as one of the four leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. This is why employees must be trained to recognize fall exposures and have the authority to take corrective actions.
We have all heard the expression "it’s not the fall that’s hurts but the sudden stop at the end." Think of a fall as “a sudden… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Apr 22, 2021
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 moreby Jorge Vazquez on Apr 15, 2021
Scaffolding hazards continue to rank high on the list of the most frequently cited standards in construction. They also account for approximately 9 percent of all fatalities at construction worksites. When working on scaffolds, be sure you know and follow these SAFETY rules. We also want to remind you that we have a “ZERO TOLERANCE” for fall… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Apr 7, 2021
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.
PROJECT SAFE STATES:Only those employees who have been certified under the company’s stilt policy will… read moreby Marek Brothers on Apr 1, 2021
John L., Bill, & Ralph Marek founded the Marek Family of Companies with a strong commitment to its employees and their families. The MAREK tradition of developing and nurturing employees provides a unique opportunity for individuals looking for a career in the construction industry. For this reason, the MAREK Scholarship was established.… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Mar 31, 2021
Mandatory Topic: Notice to Supervisors: Read and prepare for demonstration of Web-Tex scaffolds. Make sure all employees understand the importance of following our safe scaffold procedures for the Web-Tex system.
Web-Tex Scaffold Safety
At the Marek Family of Companies we thrive on having safe equipment. Keep in mind that equipment is only as… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Mar 24, 2021
When was the last time you saw someone "on the job" also on their phone? In a single day a large number of employees are checking their phones:
Reading and typing text messages while trying to operate power tools
Updating social platforms with their latest selfies and posting unsafe condition of their work… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Mar 17, 2021
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 actions are serious enough to warrant disciplinary procedures.… read moreby Dan Schnippert on Mar 17, 2021
It is important for construction firms and project owners to understand how COVID-19 has impacted and continues to affect the availability and prices of construction materials and supplies. Virus outbreaks and lockdowns have inhibited the manufacturing and transportation of supplies, while a booming residential construction market has increased… read moreby Jorge Vazquez on Mar 10, 2021
Grab a ladder. Stand it up and climb. So simple anyone can do it, right?
But if it really were all that simple, 130,000 people wouldn’t get hurt on ladders each year, would they?
Most ladder accidents are caused by improper selection, setup or use, not defects.
SELECTION
Be sure the ladder you select is strong enough to support your weight and… read moreby Marek Brothers on Mar 10, 2021
HOUSTON, TEXAS, March 10 — MAREK was ranked 36 on Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2021 Top Performers list, which recognizes ABC member contractors’ in safety, quality, diversity, project excellence and special designations, ranked by work hours.
Published as a supplement to Construction Executive magazine, the ABC Top Performers lists… read moreby Mike Holland on Mar 10, 2021
MAREK is blessed to have a super-strong team of women across our offices, in many roles, and growing every day. The resiliency, leadership, and determination shown by the women at MAREK is what makes us have hope that our future is bright, and made brighter by their contribution, illustrating the Strength From Within.
Wherever you work, in… read more