Editor's Note: To your health

In every issue of Safety+Health, you’re likely to find several news briefs covering research related to worker health and wellness.

Of all the briefs featured in this month’s issue of S+H, the one that hits closest to home for me is the item on so-called food altars – the collections of baked goods, candy and salty snacks located in common areas in the workplace. As I write this, a magnificent food altar is located on a table in Managing Editor Jennifer Yario’s office to celebrate two recent staff birthdays. (All empty cubicles have been filled, so Jen was tapped to host.)

When it comes to both contributing to and partaking of the food altar, I’m guilty. Although I try to maintain a balanced diet and am diligent about eating my fruits and vegetables, my fondness for sweets is strong, and I’m not the only one – on any given afternoon you’ll find one or more members of the S+H team walking around the department in search of chocolate.

No doubt you’ve guessed that I’ve had a lifelong struggle with my weight, and I know several of my colleagues are looking to drop a few pounds as well. But although we may go a bit over the top when birthdays roll around, most of the time we’re trying to make healthy decisions. And, fortunately for us, the National Safety Council has a wellness committee that encourages all employees to eat better and exercise more.

Worker health and wellness news is always popular on the S+H website, and surveys of NSC members consistently identify it as a topic of interest. So in addition to our coverage of regulation, legislation and other news related to occupational safety, we’ll continue reporting on research that may help both you and the workers you protect live healthier lives. Be well.

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