News

Safety & Training Short: Foodborne Illness - Buffets and Potlucks

Potlucks and buffets carry a high risk for foodborne illness because bacteria thrive in food that is left out for long periods of time at room temperature. The danger zone for bacterial growth is between 40° and 140°F. The maximum amount of time that food can stay in this range before becoming dangerous is two hours, and potlucks and buffets easily last longer. Sanitary practices, avoidance of cross-contamination, and temperature control guard against bacteria. Take care while preparing, storing, and

Safety & Training Short: Emergency Response Training Short 2.0

WHAT IS EMERGENCY RESPONSE?                                       Simply put, emergency response is how you respond to emergencies. A good Emergency Response Program involves taking action before a possible emergency occurs.Remember: Call 911 if the situation has escalated and danger is imminent!GENERAL SAFETY RULES If you see something suspicious, say something. You can help prevent the domino effect — when an emergency happens and spreads quickly, increasing the danger as it grows. Click here to

Be Vigilant – Recent Burglaries Targeting Plumbing Businesses

Recently, a contractor member of both PHCC and MBA experienced a burglary at their shop. They’ve since learned of multiple robberies targeting plumbing companies and supply houses locally. To help protect your business, they’ve shared these recommendations based on their experience. Be Vigilant!Always set alarms when closing—do not skip this step.Keep detailed records for high-value items, including: Date purchasedVendor purchased fromSerial numberModel numberPurchase amountPhotographs of the itemsIf

Safety & Training Short: Proper Pipe Handling

Improper pipe handling can lead to severe injuries ranging soar back and muscle strains, to broken bones and death. Always ensure that the utmost caution is taken when performing work that requires pipe handling.Stay out of the path of rolling pipe. Stay clear of pipe when it is being transported. Wear gloves and goggles when needed. The wearing of safety shoes is also recommended. Wear your hard hat. Keep pipe balanced when it's in a sling. Keep your hands on the outside of the pipe while guiding. Check

Safety & Training Short: Confined Spaces - Permit Required Confined Spaces

Protect yourself in and around confined spaces. A confined space is a working area with limited openings for entry or exit, large enough for entering and working, and not designated for continuous occupancy.  Examples of confined spaces include tanks, storage bins, underground vaults, pits, manholes, silos, and pipelines.Permits are required to enter confined spaces that:May contain a hazardous or potentially hazardous atmosphereContain materials which can engulf an entrantContain walls that converge

Keep Your Grip: Preventing Hand Injuries in Construction

Did you know that over 1 million workers are treated in an emergency room for hand injuries each year? According to the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), fingers and hands are the most injured body parts among construction workers, accounting for 1/3 of all emergency room visits (yikes!)  Not only can an occupational injury cause initial pain, it may also require weeks or months of rehabilitation. Throughout the day, your hands come in contact with a multitude of hazards, including

Announcing Construction Suicide Prevention Week

SAVE THE DATE:  September 8-12, 2025Together we can save lives. In 2019, a mission-driven group of volunteers from across the construction industry came together with the goal of saving lives. They collaborated to launch the inaugural Suicide Prevention Week for the industry — a week dedicated to raising awareness about the higher-than-average number of suicides in the construction industry, and to providing resources to help prevent those deaths. Every year, during September — National Suicide Prevention

Safety & Training Short: Cement-Related Skin Irritation Hazards

Objective: To reinforce awareness of the potential skin irritation risks from working with cement.  Cement-Related Skin Irritation Hazards Cement is a major cause of skin irritation. Its lime content (primarily calcium hydroxide) and heat-producing properties when water is added cause skin irritation on contact.   Cement contact with dry skin is likely to crack the skin and may lead to ulcers, reddening, and irritation, collectively referred to as dermatitis. Additionally, frequent contact with cement

Fix the (Wildfire) Risk Video Series

We’re excited to share a new video series called Fix the Risk, designed to help homeowners understand the wildfire risks around their homes—and more importantly, what they can do about them. These short, practical videos walk viewers through simple steps to reduce vulnerability to embers, which are a leading cause of home ignition during wildfires. The first three videos focus on key areas: Create Zone 0: How to create an ember-resistant zone by removing vegetation within the first 5 feet of a home and

Safety & Training Short: Hazard Communication Awareness 2.0

WHAT IS HAZARD COMMUNICATION? The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication standard, also referred to as “HAZCOM,” ensures employees have access to vital safety information about chemicals used in the workplace. It provides employees with the information they have the “right to know” while working with hazardous chemicals.HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM Your workplace has a hazard communication program available. This program is federally required in all facilities

Marin Builders Association Members: Save on your Workers' Comp!