This issue of LINE CONTRACTOR contains an article with one of the best headlines ever: “160,000 Belly Buttons.” In it, Senior Editor Colleen Beaty interviews the executive director of LINECO, which you know provides health and welfare benefits for outside electrical lineworkers and their families.  Healthcare industry challenges affect insurance companies, employers, employees and their families, so check it out on page 18.

Speaking of health—or specifically, preventing aches and pains—Marlena Chertock talks to an ergonomics expert who focuses on “working athletes” in the electrical industry. Among other things, we learn that “universal” design and fit are not, in fact, universal. The story is on page 12.

In “Personality Profile,” Susan DeGrane asks what it takes to succeed in line work. I’m sure you have your own ideas. Still, turn to page 2 to learn what a mid-career-changing apprentice, a field supervisor and others have to say. 

Susan Bloom profiled the Bonneville-Hood River Transmission Line project this month. Crux Subsurface Inc. rebuilt the historic line through rugged terrain. You can read it on page 6. Of course, if you’re working on any project you would like to share with your peers and other readers, email me at [email protected]

We’ve got you covered.