GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

When our $55 million project at the R.A. Thomas Water Treatment Plant first started in November 2008, demolition subcontractors and electricians were on site for the complete demolition of the old plant. Since they had a lot of equipment and people on site, they required that their employees wear high-visibility vests. As demolition finished up and we brought our equipment and people onsite, we decided to institute that same policy. The advantage is obvious. Workers wearing high visibility vests are easier for equipment operators to identify, promoting a safer working environment.

In addition to the bright green vests, we purchased each employee five matching high-visibility t-shirts as an option for hot days or if the vests were uncomfortable. The operators say they can see the employees much better and we are happy to say that our people are safer because of it. We are so pleased by the results that we will take this same policy to our new projects in North Carolina at Rocky River WWTP and Northeast WWTP.

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this project will replace the 83-year-old treatment plant for the City and Forsyth County Utilities Commission. This project consists of a new Operations and Chemical Building as well as new Filters, Filter Gallery, Rapid Mix, Flocculation, and Sedimentation Basins. This project also includes a new finished water pump station, two finished water reservoirs, wash water supply tank, wash water equalization basin, wash water clarifier, residuals pump station, and residuals storage lagoons. Construction is anticipated to be completed ahead of the contractual finish date.

Crew members at the R.A. Thomas WTP project show off their high-visibility clothing.