Guest post by Troy Walsh, LMCIT Loss Control Consultant
The Gaylord Public Works Department is taking proactive steps to protect its employees – setting an example for other Minnesota cities.
Gaylord operates a lift station that collects all municipal wastewater and pumps it to the city's wastewater treatment ponds. To ensure the smooth operation of this system, public works personnel must regularly inspect and maintain the underground wet well that houses the pumps.
However, these inspections pose a great danger: if the well cover is open, the workers are at risk of falling into underground tanks.
To address this risk, staff suggested replacing the original covers with new models with integrated fall protection grilles. When the main cover is opened, a mesh safety barrier remains in place, preventing falls while still allowing staff to do their jobs. This fall protection gate can be temporarily opened during maintenance work, but typically remains closed to ensure safe everyday operations around the underground tanks.
This improvement not only increases employee safety, but also reduces the City's liability and helps maintain the reliable operation of critical public infrastructure. Gaylord secured funding for this project through the Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety and Health Safety Grant Program, which provides matching funds for safety equipment and training to help cities and other employers prevent workplace injuries.
What safety improvements could your city achieve with a Minnesota OSHA Safety Grant?
If your department has equipment, processes or facilities that pose a security risk, you should apply for the program. Congratulations on your safety grant, Gaylord Public Works, and thank you for demonstrating how a simple upgrade can make a big difference for city staff and residents alike!