Gaylord Public Works Earns MN OSHA Safety Grant for Lift Station Upgrades

Guest post by Troy Walsh, LMCIT loss control consultant

The Gaylord Public Works Department is taking proactive steps to protect its employees — and setting an example for other Minnesota cities.

Gaylord operates a lift station that collects and pumps all municipal sewage to the city’s wastewater treatment ponds. To keep this system running smoothly, public works staff must regularly inspect and maintain the underground wet well where the pumps are housed.

However, these inspections come with a serious hazard: when the well cover is open, workers are exposed to the risk of falling into underground tanks.

To address this hazard, staff suggested replacing the original covers with new models that include built-in, fall protection grates. When the main cover is opened, a grated safety barrier remains in place, preventing falls while still allowing staff to complete their work. This fall protection grate can be temporarily opened during maintenance, but typically remains closed to ensure safe, everyday operations around the underground tanks.

This improvement not only enhances employee safety but also reduces the city’s liability and helps maintain reliable operations for 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 make with a Minnesota OSHA Safety Grant?

If your department has equipment, processes, or facilities that pose safety risks, consider applying for the program. Congratulations on your safety grant, Gaylord Public Works, and thank you for showing how a simple upgrade can make a large difference for city staff and residents alike!