Editor's Note: Safety on the line

As I write this, both the northeast and western parts of the United States are bracing for severe weather – this on top of monster snowstorms and flooding that hit during the previous month.

The National Safety Council is headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, and so far we haven’t received the kind of wallop that many other parts of the country have experienced. The previous winter, however, was a different story – foot after foot of snow, plus sustained subzero temps that I hope will remain a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

During that time, I made a lot of calls to check on family and friends and make sure they were all right. The main concern was always whether their homes still had power.

When power lines go down after storms, we wait impatiently for electricity to be restored – often without much thought for the men and women out in the bucket trucks, braving the elements when almost everyone else is being told to stay home. They deserve far more recognition than they receive.

This month, Associate Editor Tom Musick explores the world of linemen: the hazards they face (weather being only one of many), and what some in the industry are trying to do to raise awareness and improve attitudes and safety culture. 

Speaking of attitudes and safety culture: These subjects were addressed every month in 2014 by BST and Richard Hawk in their Safety Leadership and All About You columns. Both columns received a very positive response, and Safety+Health is pleased to welcome them back this year. As always, feedback is welcome. Here’s to a safe 2015.