Building Safety Week to be Held May 3-9; Contractor Registration Reminder

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2009
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

MADISON - Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel announced today that Building Safety Week in Wisconsin will be held from May 3 - 9, 2009. Building Safety Week, sponsored by the International Code Council, is an opportunity to increase public awareness of the role that building safety and fire prevention officials, local and state building departments, and federal agencies play to protect Wisconsin residents.

"Building Safety Week recognizes the importance of safe buildings and the professionals who work to promote building safety in our communities," said Secretary Leinenkugel. "Commerce is proud to support these initiatives as we create a positive, safe regulatory climate in Wisconsin."

Contractor Registration

Commerce is marking Building Safety Week with a reminder that an administrative rule change finalized March 2, 2009 requires all construction contractors to register with Commerce. Contractor registration will enhance the department's ability to identify, communicate with and educate contractors and subcontractors of consumer protection issues, best practices, and changes in codes and regulations. Building or remodeling a structure is a major expense for both businesses and consumers. Both will find it helpful to check whether a contractor has registered with the department.

Commerce has posted the registry on the internet, where it is available to consumers available to the Wisconsin Departments of Workforce Development and Revenue. These agencies could use the registry to help them minimize the misclassification of employees as contractors and maximize contractor participation in both the unemployment insurance and workers compensation programs.

The rule applies to businesses, including one person shops, that act as building contractors or subcontractors that are involved in the construction or modification of public buildings, places of employment and one- and 2- family dwellings and are not already credentialed by Commerce. A contractor registration will cost $100 for a 4-year term if applied for electronically and $115 if applied for via paper. Contractors can register at http://commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-BuildingContractorProgram.html.

Building Safety Week was established 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.

For more information on Building Safety Week visit www.iccsafe.org/safety/BSW/index.html or contact Tony Hozeny at 608/267-9661 or tony.hozeny@wisconsin.gov.

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 administers funds relating to its grant programs. The International Code Council (ICC) develops building codes to safeguard the public at home, school and work.

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