Excellence in construction safety recognized.

James C. Bifulco, CSP, Managing Safety and Loss Control Consultant for TSC, Total Safety Consulting, LLC received a Special Recognition Construction Safety Excellence Award for Outstanding Service to the Building Trades Employers' Association (BTEA) Safety Committee. New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster presented the award on behalf of the BTEA at the association's annual meeting. In addition, four of the six projects highlighted by the BTEA for safety excellence, are projects where TSC provides safety and loss control services.

"Over the past 18 months Jim Bifulco has given of himself and his business in order to advance and promote safety in the construction industry. Through his tireless efforts, the extensive work of this committee is now near completion and hopefully by 2006 will be a functioning part of our New York City Building Code," commented Ms. Lancaster. "While the International Building Code Initiative has included the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, I can honestly say that few volunteers have given the time and effort that Jim Bifulco has at the expense of his business, Total Safety Consulting," she added.

Mr. Bifulco, who acts as Chairperson of the Major Buildings Panel of the International Building Code (IBC) Safety and Demolition Technical Committee, is being recognized for his contributions to the effort underway for the NYC DOB to adopt the International Building Code (IBC).

Approximately two years ago, in an attempt to standardize outdated codes and create updated guidelines, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Patricia Lancaster issued an executive order to study the feasibility of adopting the IBC. The objective was clear: by using and adopting a continuously updated Building Code, while not sacrificing the effectiveness of the regulations, more affordable housing will be generated in the city and it will make New York City a more attractive place to do business, thus creating a boon to both construction professionals and the DOB. If accomplished, this task will also accomplish the creation of a living document easily updateable to the latest safety and security changes safeguarding building constructors and users alike.

As a result of the feasibility study and months of deliberations, the Commission recommended the adoption of the International Code Council's IBC and systems were put in place to get the process underway. The IBC NYC Model Code Program Committee was assembled with industry thought leaders representing both the private and public sectors to drive this effort. The committee is comprised of 13 technical panels and several subcommittees.

The Safety and Demolition Sub committee, Chaired by Mr. Louis J. Colette, President and CEO of the Building Trades Employers Association, reviewed the applicable code provisions and based on conventional knowledge of the applicable codes and standards made recommendations for review and revision.

James C. Bifulco, CSP, is an active member of the IBC Safety and Demolition Technical Committee and has more than 20 years experience in construction safety. Mr. Bifulco is additionally involved with the Building Owners and Managers Association Scaffolding Task Force, and serves as an alternate on the z529 subcommittee.