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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

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

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