Michigan Governor Declares May 2019 Building Safety Month
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation May 3 declaring May 2019 as Building Safety Month in Michigan, with this year’s observance themed “No Code. No Confidence.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation May 3 declaring May 2019 as Building Safety Month in Michigan, with this year’s observance themed “No Code. No Confidence.” The theme emphasizes the importance of construction codes, state-registered code officials, and a strong commitment to code enforcement as part of protecting the public.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)’s Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) aims to ensure that buildings and homes constructed in the state are safe, sound, and sustainable.
“Construction code officials are here to help consumers understand building safety issues,” LARA Director Orlene Hawks said. “Especially with do-it-yourselfers, it becomes extremely important for homeowners to work with their building inspectors to make sure their new home or remodel fully complies with Michigan’s construction codes.”
Code officials collaborate to ensure compliance with codes that address safety, energy efficiency, and resilience in structures in order to protect lives and property. Code officials include boiler, building, electrical, elevator, fire prevention, plumbing, and mechanical inspectors, as well as architects, engineers, builders, tradespeople, and other workers in the construction industry.
"Construction codes address all aspects of building including boilers, elevators, structural integrity; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems; and fire prevention, as well as pre-manufactured home construction," BCC Director Keith Lambert said. “Through a coordinated program of code compliance, investigation and training, there is consistent application of standards to protect the public.”
Building Safety Month is celebrated worldwide and sponsored by the International Code Council, a membership associated dedicated to building safety, energy efficiency, and fire prevention. LARA bases its model codes on national and international standards, and develops Michigan construction codes through Michigan amendments. The model codes are the most widely adopted codes for building safety, energy, and fire prevention in the country.