Learning From the Pros
Week 3 – May 13 - 19
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Week 3 of Building Safety Month shares a glimpse into the world of building safety professionals by outlining different roles and their responsibilities, as well as spotlighting how building safety professionals make a difference in their communities. We also provide examples of when you should call a building safety professional, specifically for permitting, home renovations or buying a house.
Do you have a building safety professional you'd like to acknowledge? Let us know on social media, and use #BuildingSafety365 to help spread the word about Building Safety Month!
Who are Building Safety Professionals?
Building safety professionals are the silent defenders of public safety. They provide guidance and advice to architects, engineers and contractors to help them bring building projects to life while ensuring safety for occupants and residents. Building safety professionals also help keep existing buildings safe by conducting inspections and adopting the latest building codes.
Building safety professionals:
- Include building inspectors of all kinds, building officials, plans examiners, permit technicians, fire marshals and more.
- Train constantly to keep up with the latest codes and standards.
- Enforce code compliance to empower and educate partners to embrace and integrate safety standards in their work.
- Ensure that buildings are constructed to withstand the stress of everyday use.
- Perform safety checks that protect your home from emergencies before fire, flood or disaster strike.
- Support economic development by making our buildings sturdier, and therefore longer lasting.
- Play a significant role in community planning decision making as a connection between government, business and built environment partners.
When to Call a Professional
Building safety professionals are an essential piece in the building and construction puzzle, and are engaged in the building process from the initial building plan to the finished product. Always check with your local building safety department before beginning home improvement projects – requirements vary, but many building safety departments require permits for home improvement projects, including electrical, mechanical, structural or plumbing work. Follow-up inspections provide a measure of safety to protect your life and property.
Code officials bring building codes to life through:
- Site inspections
- Code interpretation support and consultations
- Renovations and rebuilding
- Building plan and permit approvals
Become a Building Safety Professional
If you're looking for a fulfilling career that makes a difference in your community, consider a career in the building safety industry! Jobs ranging from building officials and fire marshals, to mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspectors are in-demand and are an integral part in keeping the built environment safe for all. The Code Council's Safety 2.0 initiative includes a suite of programs, services and resources that are specifically geared towards students, young professionals and those interested in joining the code official profession. Browse the resources below to learn more about different career paths, mentorship opportunities and more!
- Building Safety Professionals assist design professionals, contractors, building owners and the public to understand how to design, construct, operate and occupy buildings in conformance with the International Codes® and technical standards adopted by local and state jurisdictions.
- Code officials have opportunities to serve as a building safety generalist, but also to become experts in the ins and outs of specific code specialty areas.
- Project opportunities span private businesses, residential applications and public works initiatives across a regional jurisdiction.
- Inspectors have a dynamic workday – working both indoors and outdoors between office settings and construction sites.
- Compared to the median household income reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, code officials earn a stable and often above average living.
Spread the Word
