"Building Safety Week recognizes the importance of safe buildings and the professionals who work to promote building safety in our communities," Commerce Secretary Cory L. Nettles said.

Building Safety Week began in 1980. Its objectives are to promote the use, enforcement and understanding of building codes to safeguard the public. It also recognizes professional code enforcement officials who regularly attend training to make sure they are aware of the latest code changes and technological advances in construction.

The Commerce Safety and Buildings Division develops, administers, and enforces state laws and rules relating to building construction, safety and health. The division conducts plan reviews, inspections, and investigations; issues and administers credentials; develops administrative rules; provides training; and administrates funds relating to its programs.

The International Code Council (ICC) develops building codes to safeguard the public at home, school, and work. Wisconsin has adopted four of the ICC codes as the basis for the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code.

For more information on "You Can Be a Part of Building Safety Week," visit http://www.iccsafe.org/consumer/ or contact Ron Buchholz, Commerce, (608) 266-1817.

--Ron Buchholz

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.