"Building Safety Week recognizes the professionals who make sure the buildings in our community are safe," said Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director Keith W. Cooley. "Public safety is one of our top priorities."

Building code regulations in Michigan ensure that homes, schools, workplaces and other buildings are as safe as possible. Codes address all aspects of construction including structural integrity, electrical, mechanical, plumbing systems, fire prevention as well as manufactured home construction.

"Building and code officials are here to help the public understand building safety issues," said Henry L. Green, Director, Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) and former President of the International Code Council. "In this age of do-it-yourselfers it becomes extremely important for homeowners to work with the local building officials to make sure their residence fully complies with Michigan's construction codes." The Bureau of Construction Codes is part of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth. "Building Safety: Where You Live, Work and Play" also encourages all Americans to raise awareness of the importance of building safety; green and sustainable building; pool, spa and hot tub safety; and new technologies in the construction industry.

The importance of regulating and enforcing construction codes is, unfortunately, often overlooked until a catastrophic tragedy occurs. By inspecting buildings during and after construction, the code process ensures that buildings in the community are safe places to live, work, play and learn.

Building Safety Week, first observed in 1980, is sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies worldwide by promoting ideas, methods and technologies that encourage the construction of durable, sustainable buildings and homes.

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