Editor's Note: The spirit of the Rising Stars

I still remember the jolt I felt when, more than a dozen years ago, it occurred to me that I was no longer one of the “young people” at work. I’m getting a bit of that feeling now as I look over the NSC Rising Stars of Safety featured in this month’s issue of Safety+Health, note the “under 40” criterion and remind myself (although a look at my latest driver’s license photo should be enough) that I haven’t qualified for a while now.

I guess it’s a family thing: My mom had me laughing recently when she recounted the story of filling out a form that included a checkbox to indicate age and, having checked the 65+ box, realizing that she was “on the last one” and no more boxes were left.

Although I’ve worked in publishing for 20 years, many members of the S+H staff definitely qualify as young. They work hard, have good ideas and accomplish great things. They are a credit to their profession.

So too are the Rising Stars of Safety – the National Safety Council’s annual recognition of the safety leaders of tomorrow. This year’s class features both people who are just beginning to tap into their potential and those who are well on their way to becoming experienced safety pros.

And speaking of experience, I’d also like to take this opportunity to introduce a new column in S+H. The Campbell Institute at the National Safety Council is “the EHS center of excellence,” whose members seek to help organizations “of all sizes and sectors” by sharing their knowledge. Every month, an author representing one of the institute’s member organizations will offer insight and advice.

So to the Campbell Institute, I say welcome to Safety+Health. And to the Rising Stars of Safety, Class of 2015, I offer my congratulations. May your spirit be echoed by everyone, regardless of age or experience, who works to make the world a safer place.

The opinions expressed in “Editor’s Note” do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.