martes, 26 de septiembre de 2017

NPR Tackles "The Open Secret Of Undocumented Construction Labor"

The Texas Standard, a statewide radio program that airs on NPR stations throughout the state, has been doing an in-depth series on the realities faced by undocumented people who live here. As part of the series, reporter Joy Diaz took a look at the plight of undocumented workers in the construction industry. Stan Marek, CEO of MAREK in Houston, said one huge problem is unethical employers often misclassify their workers, allowing them to be paid under the table. Worker...

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Discover engineering inspired by Star Wars at New Scientist Live



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lunes, 25 de septiembre de 2017

Weekly Toolbox Talk: 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 silica the lung tissue reacts by developing fibrous tissue around trapped silica particles. This condition of the lung is called silicosis.Due to the extensive use of concrete and...

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miércoles, 20 de septiembre de 2017

Experts: Harvey, Texas Immigration Law, and End of DACA Create Perfect Storm for Workforce

The folllowing article was authored by Scott Braddock and originally published on Construction Citizen.Immigrant rights activists, experts in the law, and business leaders gathered Wednesday night in Houston to talk about challenges the region faces following the convergence of a state crackdown on “sanctuary cities,” a devastating hurricane, and the impending end of a federal program that allows young undocumented immigrants a chance at employment without fear of deportation.A 90-minute...

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lunes, 18 de septiembre de 2017

Weekly Toolbox Talk: Employee Handbook Part 2

ACCIDENTSIn 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, the supervisor will assist the employee in getting to proper medical facilities.Where the seriousness of an injury is in question, the supervisor and/or the Company reserve the right to...

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lunes, 11 de septiembre de 2017

Weekly Toolbox Talk: Employee Handbook Part 1

ATTENDANCERegular 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 cause unavoidable absence or tardiness from work, regular on-time attendance is required for continued employment.Employees must call their supervisor or the office prior to 6:30 a.m. to...

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jueves, 7 de septiembre de 2017

Texas shuns immigrants the moment they're needed most

As the flood waters left behind by Hurricane Harvey begin to recede around our great city, the questions of how to rebuild and who will do the work are top of mind. Following the passage of a ban on "sanctuary cities" in Texas, we were already faced with a quickly depleting workforce. Many construction workers, both documented and undocumented, have begun fleeing our state because they're concerned local police will start rounding up immigrants.With a massive rebuilding effort set to get...

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miércoles, 6 de septiembre de 2017

Weekly Toolbox Talk: 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 silica the lung tissue reacts by developing fibrous tissue around trapped silica particles. This condition of the lung is called silicosis.Due to the extensive use of concrete and...

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Science and innovation: working with EU partners



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