Editor's Note: Out in front

When I became the editor of Safety+Health, after years of working on it behind the scenes, the most disconcerting part of the transition was finding myself “out in front,” with my name and photo featured prominently in print.

Although I try to be a good sport about it, I’ve never enjoyed having my picture taken. As my mother can attest (and to her exasperation, I’m sure), in a good percentage of the family photos taken when I was a toddler I’m covering my eyes with the back of my hand in an attempt to shield myself from the camera’s flash.

I’ve grown accustomed to turning to p. 9 of S+H and seeing my own face looking back at me, but one of the feelings I’ve never been able to shake is that putting so much attention on one person means many of the people who work to put this magazine together don’t get enough credit for their contributions. (I’ve offered multiple times to feature everyone’s photos in the magazine but – surprise – have had no takers.)

That’s why I’m pleased that S+H is featuring an article this month that places the spotlight on a group of people whose names aren’t on the magazine’s masthead but who play an important role in helping to ensure the accuracy of this publication’s content. The members of the National Safety Council Consulting Services Group travel the world to conduct onsite safety audits and training. At the same time, they’re responding, often across multiple time zones, to S+H’s frequent technical questions and requests for photo reviews.

So when we recently asked three of the consultants, JoAnn Dankert, Namir George and Rachel Harrington, if they’d take time out of their demanding schedules to talk about the common hazards they spot when they conduct audits, it came as no surprise that they agreed. And now, especially with June being National Safety Month, I’m glad to have the opportunity to thank them publicly for their time and expertise.

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