Louisiana Tree Service Crane Falls on House in Shreveport

tree service worker in an orange vest cutting branches from tree

On Saturday, around 9 a.m., a Louisiana tree service company’s crane vehicle experienced a significant accident in Shreveport. The incident, which occurred at a residence on Bruce Avenue in Broadmoor, resulted in the crane toppling over and smashing into a nearby home, causing extensive damage to the property and power lines. The Shreveport Fire Department Assistant Chief, Mark Guastella, informed the media that the homeowners, who were inside the house at the time of the accident, and the crane operator were unharmed.

According to reports, the accident resulted from miscalculating the crane’s weight after workers cut part of a tree. The Red Cross is assisting the homeowners, who thankfully escaped with no injuries. However, this incident is a reminder of how accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and how important it is to prioritize safety measures in any job or situation.

The causes of crane accidents and how to prevent them

Crane accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, some of which include

  1. Poor crane installation or maintenance
  2. Inadequate documentation of inspections or safety certificates
  3. Crane operators that are not certified
  4. Failure to adhere to safety precautions and operational instructions
  5. Employer’s lack of direction or oversight

These factors can lead to catastrophic accidents, property damage, severe personal injuries, or even fatalities. Therefore, ensuring everyone follows proper safety protocols to prevent these accidents is essential. This responsibility ultimately lies on the shoulders of companies and their crane operators. It includes regular inspections, proper training and certification of crane operators, and a commitment to safety from all parties involved in the operations.

Tips for staying safe near a crane 

In the event that you are near crane operations, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe. 

1. Do not touch or get too close to the crane, its load, or other equipment.

2. Follow any instructions or guidelines given by the crane operators at the job site. 

3. Stay out of the crane’s swing radius.

4. Stay aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for potentially hazardous situations. 

By prioritizing safety, crane operators and bystanders can help reduce the risk of crane accidents and ensure that every person near the job site is out of harm’s way.