The History of Building Safety Month

Building regulations are one of the oldest and most enduring of governmental functions, dating back 5,000 years to pre-biblical times. The concept of building safety — constructing a residence to protect its occupants — goes as far back as ancient Babylon in 2000 B.C. 

King Hammurabi, the founder of the Babylonian Empire, is generally recognized as the first person to “publish” a code to protect people and property. The Code of Hammurabi, engraved on a seven-foot-tall black basalt stone monument, states “If a builder should build a house for someone and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death.” 

The regulation of building safety has come a long way since the days of Hammurabi. While building codes continue to change and develop — influenced by new construction techniques, new materials, advanced technology and climate change — the one thing that has not changed is the dedication of building safety professionals. These vigilant guardians continue to provide the first line of defense against building disasters, to ensure the safety of the structures in which we all live, work, learn and play.

While unnoticed by many, these professionals are the silent defenders of building safety, working daily to ensure safe and reliable construction across the world. 

In honor of the Code Council’s 30th anniversary, we are looking back at the history of Building Safety Month and how the annual campaign came to be.

The Creation of Building Safety Week

Led by Marty Doucette, the education and training officer of the Indiana State Building Commissioner, along with other building safety advocates, Building Safety Week aimed to raise awareness of building safety and fire prevention codes. 

The annual event was established in response to a series of preventable tragedies, including the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire in Southgate, KY, which killed 165 people. As the third deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history, investigators concluded that proper enforcement of building safety codes could have averted the disaster. 

In 2010, the Code Council extended its 30-year tradition of hosting Building Safety Week to encompass a full month-long awareness campaign — Building Safety Month — in May.  

As part of an expanded effort to showcase the progress made over 30 years, Building Safety Month highlighted historic milestones, current technologies and future innovations in building and fire codes, as well as construction and safety technologies. The official announcement was made at the Code Council’s Annual Conference and Code Development Hearings in Baltimore, Md in2010.

Building Safety Month today

For the past 44 years, the Code Council and its members have celebrated advancements in constructing safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient buildings and homes. Building Safety Month and the crucial role of building safety professionals receive ongoing support from the President of the United States, governors, mayors, county executives and other government officials, as well as industry organizations. The international Building Safety Month campaign enhances public safety by raising awareness of how building codes and code officials protect the places where we live, learn, work and play.

This year’s theme, “Mission Possible” encourages people to get involved in all aspects of building safety and explores how building safety is a mission that is only possible when we work together with our local communities for positive change. 

“Building safety should never be taken for granted,” said Code Council Board President Stuart Tom, P.E., CBO, FIAE. “By working together and spreading awareness of building codes and the role they play in ensuring safety in the built environment, we can protect the spaces where we live, work, play and learn.” 

Doing Your Part in Promoting Building Safety

Each year, the Code Council partners with building professionals, corporations, government agencies and other advocates to shine a light on the role building codes play in making our communities safer and more resilient.

These things include:

• Promoting Building Safety Month through chapter activities.
• Setting up informational booths at local hardware stores or building departments.
• Visiting local schools and giving presentations discussing the importance of safety.
• Sending news releases to customers or vendors about building codes and compliance.
• Posting building codes throughout your company, and ensuring that all employees are educated on the latest codes.

To learn more about how to get involved in the Building Safety Month campaign, visit the Code Council’s website here.