Why is safety a primary concern in building codes?

Safety is a primary concern in building codes because these regulations are designed to protect public health and welfare. Building codes establish minimum safety standards that must be adhered to in the construction and design of buildings, ensuring that structures can withstand environmental factors, such as earthquakes, floods, and high winds, while also providing safe exits during emergencies, like fires. By implementing these codes, authorities aim to reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities due to structural failures or unsafe building practices, thereby safeguarding the community at large.

While minimizing construction costs, fostering innovation in architecture, and maintaining historical integrity are important aspects of the construction and architectural fields, they are secondary to ensuring the safety of occupants and the general public. The primary goal of building codes is to prevent hazards and ensure that structures are built in a way that prioritizes the well-being of individuals who will utilize those buildings.