News

Get Cash for Heat Pump Water Heater Upgrades - Support Your Clients in a Broken Water Heater Emergency

Get $1,500 for Installing a Heat Pump Water Heater MCE’s Emergency Water Heater Incentive provides contractors $1,500 to help cover the cost of installing and maintaining a temporary loaner water heater (gas or electric) as part of the customer’s permanent heat pump water heater (HPWH) installation.  As more households move toward environmentally-friendly options and the Bay Area passes new regulations to support California’s clean energy goals, your clients will need to start replacing gas appliances

Better Workplaces Podcast Recommendations

As your health insurance brokerage firm, Venbrook is thrilled to bring you some thought-provoking recommendations related to today’s workplace from Adam Grant’s insightful podcast, WorkLife with Adam Grant. These episodes touch on critical themes that resonate deeply with our mission of fostering innovative, inclusive, and thriving workplaces. They serve as a guide to help us all navigate the complexities of modern work life with greater confidence and clarity. "The Science of Productive Conflict" -

Safety & Training Short: Fall Protection - Eliminating Falls

Learn to identify conditions and behaviors that cause falls:StairwaysCarrying objects that block the view of the stepsRunningFailure to use handrailWorking in areas cluttered by objectsInattentionLaddersUse of ladders that do not suit the jobUse of ladders that are in poor conditionImproper ladder placementImproper ladder useReaching/leaning too farUsing a step ladder that is too shortClick here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to download the complete training short in

Safety & Training Short: Job Safety Analysis

The Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Process   JSAs are designed to enhance workers’ awareness of and adherence to safety controls. The goal is zero incidents. Obtaining that goal greatly helps the worker and the organization.   JSAs outline, for each position, the various hazards of the job and the needed controls and behaviors that will keep incidents from occurring. Use JSAs to teach workers about their jobs and about the importance of safety on the job.  JSA implementation: JSAs must be implemented in a

Safety & Training Short - Lead Awareness - Administrative Controls

Objective: To introduce common administrative controls, including policies and procedures for employee training, housekeeping, employee rotation, and personal hygiene as well as other methods of reducing employee exposures Because lead exposure is dangerous, your organization has administrative controls in place to help protect you. Refer to your organization’s written policies and procedures to see the specific administrative controls and follow them for your safety and the safety of

Marin Builders Association Welcomes Another FULL House at September Member Morning

On Thursday, September 19th, we welcomed over 100 guests at our Member Morning event!  It was a full and happy house and so wonderful to see all our members connecting and engaging.  Thank you to everyone who made the time to join us and special thanks to our coffee and donut sponsor and Cornerstone Partner, George Petersen Insurance Agency! Rick and Christine shared highlights about all the accomplishments of the year along with some previews of what's coming up in 2025. This 'power hour' of community,

Consumer-Driven Health Plans: HSAs and HRAs

In today’s complex healthcare landscape, navigating the financial aspects of healthcare can be daunting for both employers and employees. It’s crucial to explore effective tools that can help manage these expenses while providing flexibility and control over healthcare decisions. Two tools are Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). These accounts offer significant financial benefits and play a vital role in supporting comprehensive healthcare strategy.Understanding HRAs

Novato Launches New All-Agency Permit Advice Center

Novato Launches New All-Agency Permit Advice CenterIn-person consultations every 1st & 3rd Thursday starting September 5 The City of Novato is pleased to announce the launch of Novato Permit Connections, a new all-agency permit advice center aimed at streamlining the permit process for Novato’s homeowners and small businesses.  Novato Permit Connections is your go-to resource to ensure you have everything you need to submit your permit application. Submitting an accurate and complete application

Cal/OSHA Bolsters Staff to Investigate the Most Egregious Violations, Referring them for Criminal Prosecution

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cal/OSHA is strengthening its efforts to increase workplace safety by ramping up recruitment and hiring more investigator staff for its Bureau of Investigations. This important unit is responsible for investigations related to the most serious workplace injuries, including death and makes recommendations for criminal prosecutions.    Oakland—Today the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced that it has increased

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

W-2 vs.1099: What you Need to Know - How to Protect Your Business From Employee Classification

Employee misclassification can pose serious risks for companies that rely heavily on independent contractors. The right staffing plan can help you steer clear of potential misclassification issues and keep your business running smoothly. In our latest article, we offer a comprehensive guide outlining the differences between 1099 independent contractors and W-2 employees. Additionally, we provide our top recommendation for how to ensure a safe, reliable, and compliant workforce, so you can protect your

YES2YUM's Janine Aurichio on Business Success Tips Podcast with Paul Sanneman of CSS

Join two Marin Builders members as they delve into the world of stress-free projects with Mental Fitness Coach Janine Aurichio, who specializes in the construction industry. With over 20 years of experience, Janine shares invaluable insights on navigating challenges, improving mental resilience, and finding balance in the demanding world of contracting. Discover practical strategies to enhance your well-being, boost productivity, and foster a positive work environment. Tune in to gain essential tips for

New eBooks Available from Code Check

We are pleased to announce that Code Check Complete 3rd edition, Building 5th edition, Electrical 9th edition, and Plumbing/Mechanical 6th edition are now available in eBook format. The eBooks contain additional material not found in the print books, and have enhanced navigation tools designed to allow you to quickly find the information you need.    These most current Code Check books are based on the same model codes adopted by the state of California. To aid our California customers, we also have a

2024 California Contractors License Law & Reference Book

Significant changes made to streamline book  Sacramento, CA – The 2024 edition of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (Law Book) is now available. CSLB is pleased to introduce a streamlined law book that includes essential information for the California construction industry. The Law Book can be purchased directly from the publisher, or the online PDF version can be viewed or downloaded at no cost on the CSLB website. CSLB has reviewed and made

Civil Rights Department Publishes Updated ''California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination and Harassment'' Poster

Government Code section 12850 and related regulations require all California employers to display the “California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination and Harassment” poster in a conspicuous place where employees gather. The Civil Rights Department published an updated version of this poster that includes information about protections for employees taking bereavement leave or leave for reproductive loss. It also contains information about prohibitions against discrimination based on an applicant’s use of

CSLB Reminds Licensees of New Laws Beginning January 1, 2024

Sacramento, CA – Heading into 2024, the Contractors State License Board wants to remind licensees of new laws taking effect in the new year.SB 630 (Dodd) This bill requires CSLB licensees and applicants to provide an email address, if available, when they obtain and renew licenses. The email addresses are not subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. This bill also authorizes the Registrar to automatically reimpose license revocation when probationary conditions placed on a license are

Safety & Training Short - Winter Driving

Objective: To assure that employees are prepared for driving in winter conditions. A little extra preparation is needed to assure driver safety during winter months or other inclement weather conditions.Poor driving conditions is one of the biggest winter safety concerns. Due to shorter days, drivers are required to spend more time driving in the dark, and inclement weather can create slick roads and low visibility conditions.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to

Overview of Spring 2024 Construction Classes in Marin

Construction Training Programs and Resources in Marin Marin Builders Association is committed to helping individuals find rewarding careers in the local construction industry.Click here for an overview of Spring classes developed to show the side-by-side comparison of courses offered in Marin. We strongly support high school seniors and young adults interested in the trades to sign up for North Bay Construction Corps. Please view ourMarin Construction Training website for more information.

New Community Development Agency Permit Ombudsperson

Meet Cristy Stanley! Cristy is the new Permit Ombudsperson at the Community Development Agency. She's is “open for business” and ready to assist contractors with the permit approval process at the County of Marin.VIEW HER INTRODUCTORY LETTER HERE

Safety & Training Short: Hand and Power Tools: Striking Tools

There are some general rules that apply to almost all hammers and other striking tools. Never use a striking tool for any purpose other than that for which it was intended. Never use a striking tool with a loose or damaged handle or with a mushroomed head or dull cutting edge. Conditions vary, but it can never hurt to wear goggles when using striking tools.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to download the complete training short in Spanish Safety & Training Shorts

Contractors with No Employees Face New Workers' Compensation Requirement

A new law will require almost all contractors in California to carry workers’ compensation coverage, regardless of if they have employees or not. According to the author of the bill, State Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) the new law was necessary due to the tendency of many small contractors to claim they have no employees, when in fact they regularly hire day laborers or undocumented workers. Since a firm with only an owner and no employees is not required to carry workers’ comp coverage, those workers would