News

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

Summer is Here - Protect Outside Workers from Heat Illness

Summer's here!  The air is rich with the scents of sunscreen, freshly cut grass, and barbecue smoke. You can hear the sounds of splashing water and lively outdoor events, and taste refreshing watermelon and cold drinks.  While leisurely summer days are wonderful, working under the sun is a different story, especially in Northern California, where the heat demands serious attention. Cal/OSHA, the state's occupational safety and health agency, has strict regulations in place to protect workers from heat

Safety & Training Short: Fall Protection - Confined Space Entry Basics

Objective: To reinforce awareness of the potential dangers involved with performing confined space work.  What is a Confined Space? A confined space: Is large enough so that an employee can enter and perform work.Has limited or restricted means for ingress/egress.Can’t be used for continuous employee occupancy.  Certain confined spaces may be more hazardous than others, such as those with hazardous atmospheres, engulfment, entrapment, or asphyxiation hazards, or other serious hazards that could endanger

DB and IPD Contracts: Who is responsible for the design when unforeseen conditions arise and why does it matter?

Published June 19, 2025 Morgan C. Eddy Associate There has been a rise recently in the construction industry in Design-Build (DB) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contracts. These newer models aim to improve project efficiency, foster collaboration, and reduce costs. With this recent rise, we are seeing an increase in design liability conflicts. Traditionally, construction projects often followed a Design-Bid-Build model (DBB), where the design responsibilities and construction responsibilities were

Marin Builders Association Scholarship Program Awards $20,000 to 12 Extraordinary Students

The 2025 annual awards were presented on Wednesday, June 18th at the Scholarship Awards, Past Presidents & Honorary Members Reception, hosted at The Club Restaurant, McInnis Park Golf Center in San Rafael.To view the full gallery of the evening's photos, click HERE.   Scholarships were determined after an initial screening of applicants and interviews by an independent selection committee. The committee included Jesse Madsen, Director, Marin County Office of Education; Cynthia Murray, Former President

Safety & Training Short: Fall Protection - Maintenance

Basic care for fall protection equipment will prolong the life of the equipment and contribute toward the performance of its vital safety function. All parts of a fall arrest system must be inspected regularly—at least every six months by a competent person, or more frequently depending upon wear and conditions. Inspection procedures must be written. Regular inspections must be documented. It is important to conduct visual inspections prior to each use. Train employees on how to inspect and properly store

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

Big Skills Tiny Home is Looking for Learning Leaders

Construction Related Hiring Opportunities

At the Marin Builders Association, we are often approached by graduates of our construction training programs, or those interested in pursuing a career in construction trades.   Often times, we are asked to connect these applicants to our members who may be hiring or offering an internship at their company. If your firm offers internships or if you have upcoming job opportunities, we want to hear from you! To join a short list of employers who are looking to hire or offering internships, please take 3