The CWS team recently completed a series of safety enhancements at the new Ellijay-Gilmer WSA facility, following recommendations from our August Safety Audit. The site’s original wooden stairs leading to the effluent outfall on the Cartecay River were in poor condition and posed a significant hazard.
To address these issues, the team coordinated with a contractor to replace the deteriorated wooden steps with durable metal stairs. A new landing platform was added at the bottom, giving employees a stable, level surface for collecting samples. For additional protection, double handrails were installed to reduce the risk of slips or falls into the river.
CWS personnel also applied grit tape to improve traction and upgraded the caution striping for better visibility. In an effort to make the most of available materials, the wooden handrails from the old stairway are being repurposed to bring the office steps up to code.
Kudos to the team on recognizing and quickly resolving these issues. These improvements not only enhance safety but also support long-term reliability and access at the river outfall.
