S16 E11: The Manhole Game-Changer: How one bad back injury sparked a smarter way to lift lids

In this episode of the Doo Doo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast, we explore how a single workplace injury sparked a game-changing innovation focused on safety in the wastewater and civil infrastructure industry. This conversation shines a light on the real physical toll of repetitive, manual labor—particularly the daily handling of heavy cast-iron manhole lids—and how outdated practices have put utility crews at risk for decades.Our guest shares the personal journey behind the creation of the Power Lifter, a purpose-built solution born after a serious shoulder and back injury sustained during routine system maintenance. We discuss why many traditional manhole lid tools fail in real-world conditions and often go unused, and why the most effective safety solutions are the ones that are practical, intuitive, and actually adopted by crews in the field.The episode takes a deep dive into how the Power Lifter system works, what differentiates it from conventional lifting methods, and how it significantly reduces physical strain while improving jobsite safety. We also cover key design considerations such as traffic exposure, ease of use, compatibility with existing vehicles, and why cast-iron lids—especially those located on state highways—present heightened safety risks due to their weight and placement.Beyond equipment design, the discussion addresses cost considerations, return on investment, and the often-overlooked financial impact of workplace injuries. We examine why safety equipment should be viewed as proactive risk mitigation rather than an optional expense, and we highlight available safety grants that municipalities can use to help fund solutions like this.The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on safety culture and crew buy-in, reinforcing a critical truth: even the best tools only work if they are consistently used. True safety improvements come from solutions that crews trust, rely on, and integrate into their daily operations.🎧 Listen in for a practical, field-driven conversation on injury prevention, innovation, and building safer, more sustainable utility operations.Topics Covered in This Episode:- The physical realities of long-term utility and collection system work- How a workplace injury exposed gaps in existing safety practices- Why traditional manhole lid tools fail in the field- How the Power Lifter works and what sets it apart- Reducing traffic exposure and manual lifting risks- Cost, ROI, and the true expense of workplace injuries- Safety grants available to municipalities- Building crew adoption and a strong safety cultureConnect With Steve Statema:Co-Founder: Inventor of the Power LifterEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-statema-92535b317/Website:shopsosafe.comI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#SmellsLikeMoneyPodcast #WastewaterIndustry #CivilInfrastructure #WorkplaceSafety #UtilitySafety #ManholeSafety #FieldInnovation #InjuryPrevention #PublicWorks #MunicipalUtilities #InfrastructureMaintenance #SafetyCulture #HeavyLifting #UtilityOperations