English as a Second Language
New from NAHB, the Home Builders Institute, and Lowe's, Sed de Saber--Construction Edition is a self-paced learning program designed to help Hispanic construction workers learn English. The curriculum runs on LeapFrog Quantum Pad technology that allows users to record, play back, and compare their pronunciation as they learn sentence structure, 500 words, and 340 phrases covering basic life skills, detailed jobsite scenarios, and safety. Cost: $395 (NAHB members); $495 (non-members). A $40 discount is available for orders through www.lowesforpros.com. Contact: 949-631-6663; www.hbi.org
Safety Education
The Hand Tools Institute provides a range of videos, booklets, wall charts, and other materials that promote hand tool safety. Products include the Guide to Hand Tools, which explains the safest methods for using various hand tools; Hand Tool Safety in the Workplace, a 29-minute video demonstrating more than 100 common uses and abuses of hand tools; and the "Striking Tool Safety Flyer," a guide to hammer safety. Cost: Varies Contact: 914-332-0040; www.hti.org
Connector Training
Simpson Strong-Tie offers an extensive lineup of audience-targeted connector training workshops for builders, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, designers, and others through its Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast Training Centers. The workshops cover a range of topics, including general connector technology, anchor systems, seismic and high-wind design, and wall bracing. Workshops, which vary by region, are scheduled throughout the year at various locations. Cost: Free Contact: 800-999-5099; www.strongtie.com/workshops
Safety Guide
NAHB offers the Home Builders' Safety Program, a guide to developing and implementing an in-house safety program. It includes a guidebook with an overview of jobsite safety, OSHA compliance and inspection information, an outline of the components of a safety program, an explanation on the need for ongoing safety training, and an outline for new-hire orientation. An accompanying CD-Rom shows a model safety program of safe work practices for common residential construction operations and includes customizable sample forms and checklists.Cost: $30 (members), $33 (non-members) Contact: 800-223-2665; www.builderbooks.com
