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Safety & Training Short - Visitor Safety

Objective: To create awareness of safe practices that protect visitors from worksite hazards. Visitors are any non-employees at the facility, including contractors, vendors, family members of employees, and facility inspectors. Because visitors may be unaware of the hazards and required processes specific to your organization, they may inadvertently endanger themselves or others through improper practices. The potential outcomes include injury, property damage, significant business interruption, and the

Preventative Health Care for Men

Men's Health Month is observed annually in June, a time dedicated to raising awareness about preventable health problems in men and boys and encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases. Preventive care, including regular doctor visits, is important for everyone. There are certain tests and screenings that are appropriate for both men and women at various life stages, and some that are specific to men and their unique needs. Consider incorporating these screenings, tests and exams into your life

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

Debunking the Fear Economy: Why It’s Still a Good Time to Buy, A Good Time to Pull from Home Equity & A Good Time to Remodel

Check out Design Set Match's guest author, Lindsay Moon, and her insight about the current fear economy!Debunking the Fear Economy: Why It’s Still a Good Time to Buy, A Good Time to Pull from Home Equity & A Good Time to Remodel  

The Hidden Risks of Using AI on Construction Projects

Published: May 28, 2025 E. Peyton Aldrich Associate, Atlanta Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is becoming an increasingly common presence in the construction industry. From drafting scopes of work and flagging safety issues to evaluating subcontractors and reviewing contracts, AI is beginning to shape how construction professionals plan, manage, and deliver work. While these tools can make projects more efficient and data-driven, they also introduce legal, contractual, and operational risks that aren’t

SMART – Invitation to Bid for Brazos Railroad Timber Bridge Repairs – Phase II

Solicitation Contract No. FR-BB-25-001;   Project Description:  SMART is seeking sealed bids from licensed, qualified, and experienced railroad contractors to repair three (3) railroad timber bridges on the Brazos junction along SMART’s Freight Line.  The scope of work includes posting or repair of piles, repair or replacement of stringers, reconstruction of frame bents, walkway removal, replacement of bolts, replacement of chords, and debris removal and disposal.  The Metal walkway grating shall be

REQUEST FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION OF DESIGN-BUILDER BIDDERS FOR: Stinson Beach Fire Protection District

Click here to view the full document   I

Operationalizing Unreasonable Hospitality: Building Systems That Care

Culture isn’t built by chance. It’s built by design, one intentional system at a time. In our last newsletter, we explored how the philosophy of unreasonable hospitality begins by elevating every employee and customer touchpoint. But touchpoints alone are just moments. To create lasting impact, those moments need to be part of something bigger: a system of care. As one of only a few certified coaches in Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality methodology, I help companies take this from concept to

May is Wildfire Awareness Month - Let’s Get Prepared, Together

Wildfire Awareness Month is here, and there’s no better time to take action. May marks the start of peak wildfire season in California — a critical window for communities, contractors, and builders to strengthen fire resilience through education, collaboration, and proactive planning. This month, we’re highlighting tools and trainings to support you and your clients in reducing wildfire risk: California Fire Safe Council Vendors List A curated list of wildfire resilience products and professionals is

Safety & Training Short: Trenching and Shoring - Access, Egress, and Crossings

Objective: To reinforce awareness about the technical requirements for trench access points and surface crossings.Access and Egress: A stairway, ladder, or ramp must be present in excavations that are four feet deep or more. Do not enter a trench without an established means of egress. Stairways, ladders, or ramps must be located within 25 feet of employees.Ladders must extend 3 feet above the excavation.Ladders must be a single piece of equipment. Do not lash multiple ladders together to meet height

Remodeling in a Fear Economy - 5 Top Takeaways by Alisa Hoffman, Design Set Match

While I don't claim to be an economist or political expert, I can tell you that the remodeling industry has entered what I'm calling a "Fear Economy." This term describes the current climate of uncertainty and reactive purchasing behavior we're witnessing in the home improvement sector. Since the recent presidential election, clients have been asking what we're doing about impending tariffs and how they should approach their home projects. Initially, the answer was straightforward: remodel now because

Big Skills Tiny Home is Looking for Learning Leaders

Safety & Training Short: Electrical Safety - Energized Electrical Work

Objective: To reinforce proper preparation procedures for instances when working with energized work is necessary.Electrical equipment must be worked on in a de-energized state unless you are qualified and properly equipped to work on it when energized: Employees face potential arc flash and shock injuries from energized equipment when equipment is not properly guarded against shock hazards, or when not locked out and tagged-out in its de-energized state. Qualified persons may work on systems when

Workers Comp Insurance Fraud: It costs more than you think

For more information, download this printable brochure here or contact: Marin County District Attorney's Office Attn: Insurance Fraud Unit 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 130 San Rafael, CA 94903 415.473.6450co.marin.ca.us/da  

Every Touchpoint Matters: The Secret to Creating Remarkable Employee & Customer Experiences

Unreasonable Hospitality in Action: Turning Everyday Moments into Extraordinary Culture Will Guidara’s philosophy of unreasonable hospitality isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about intentionality. At his restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, the number one restaurant in the world, the team examined every single touchpoint a guest might encounter and asked: “How can we make this better?” Imagine applying that same lens to your business, not just for customers, but for your employees too. As one of only a

Enhancing Employee Well-being and Reducing Healthcare Costs Through Blood Pressure Management

Invest in your employees' well-being and manage long-term healthcare costs by proactively addressing a major health risk: high blood pressure.   Affecting nearly half of U.S. adults and significantly increasing the risk of costly conditions like heart disease and stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure represents a substantial health burden for employees and a potential financial strain for employers. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls. Maintaining healthy levels is crucial

Smith Currie Oles' Procurement Playbook: Contracting in the Age of Trump Updates

Federal government contracting is impacted each time there is a change in administration in the White House. This year will be no different. We will be monitoring daily the Executive Orders and policy changes coming from the Trump administration that will impact you and your projects. You will likely receive a flurry of information as we keep you updated on these important changes that will be coming frequently over the next several days. Click here to access the Procurement Playbook and subscribe here to

Marin Housing Authority Requests Bids on Several Projects

Marin Housing Authority is seeking a range of services, from electricians, to general contractors, to painters and several others. Solicitations can be found here: https://www.marinhousing.org/bids.

Permit Archive: Marin County & City Building Permits

Please find a current list of permits published and provided by the County of Marin. To search by a specific jurisdiction click here and contact the appropriate office. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or email us at mba@marinbuilders.com.   County of Marin Building Permits Report Powered by Socrata Click Here to View the 2024 Permit Archive

Marin County Office of Education School to Career Partnership: Internship Opportunity

Developing Our Workforce The Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) is actively seeking civic-oriented businesses to host spring and summer internships for students at San Rafael High, Terra Linda High, Novato High, and San Marin High Schools. MCOE's School to Career Partnership provides students with direct support to engage in hands-on work-based learning experience and career exploration, leading to high-demand, high-wage jobs. Student's interests cover a broad scope of industries. Your participation

Liens & Completions 2024-2025

Click the links below to view a current list of Liens & Completions published and provided by the County of Marin. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or contact Paula Krause

Biggest Workers’ Compensation Mistakes by Contractors

In this crazy time of the COVID-19, it is not the time to cut corners to your detriment. While well intentioned contractors are always attempting to keep costs down to make a profit, they make some mistakes regarding workers’ compensation insurance.   Most common mistakes are:Certifying with the Contractors License Board that they do not need workers’ compensation insurance as they have no employees when they may have employees or use day laborers. . Not checking the sub-contractors to make sure they are