A new year is often a time for change and 2016 is no exception for the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA). This issue unveils a fresh, modern design of Lifelines magazine that has been months in the making. Our new, updated look makes greater use of eye-catching graphics and arrives in your mailbox on thicker, high-quality paper. We hope you find our new design easier to read, navigate and enjoy.
The rest of 2016 is also projected to bring positive changes to the construction industry. Key sectors such as energy continue to grow, and analysts are calling for ample funding from state and municipal governments that will support major commercial and infrastructure projects. In addition to helping rebuild outdated roads, bridges and tunnels, projects like these are of vital importance to the livelihood of so many members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA).
With this news in mind, this issue of Lifelines includes a number of articles that focus on what LIUNA members and their signatory employers can do to help ensure the health and safety of everyone on the jobsite this year and beyond.
The importance of injury prevention is highlighted in “Workplace Injuries Affect Families for Years,” which lays out how on-the-job injuries often come with lasting physical, financial and emotional consequences for workers. We also take a look at fire safety, an issue that’s always a concern, but is particularly prevalent in the winter months as portable heaters and other equipment sees more indoor use.
On the health front, substance abuse continues to be a major issue of concern across the U.S. and Canada. As more states legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use, there is a growing public perception that the drug is harmless and has minimal impact on health and safety. This month’s issue dispels that myth with a discussion about marijuana use disorder, a condition affecting nearly seven million Americans. The topic of substance abuse is covered in further detail in the article “Do You Know the Signs of Opioid Pain Reliever Addiction?”
Our February issue also includes two articles aimed at keeping members at the top of their game both at work and at home. The second installment in our “Journey to a Healthier You” series looks at positive health habits that can improve overall physical wellness. And the article “How Long Does It Take to Get Out of Shape?” shows what happens to the body during periods of physical inactivity, which tend to be more common during the winter months.
Whether it’s a known health and safety issue or a new challenge, the LHSFNA will continue to look for innovative ways to assist LIUNA members and signatory contractors. We wish everyone a healthy, safe, very busy and very happy 2016.
