LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — A trending video showing a Louisiana utility worker hanging upside down in a bucket truck after a semi-truck collision in Denham Springs has spotlighted the critical importance of safety equipment.
The video emphasizes the role of harnesses in preventing serious injuries during such incidents. Brennan Breaux, a utility worker from SLEMCO, stressed the importance of safety in their daily operations.
“Absolutely. We saw it, a little bit in that video last week in Denham Springs,” Breaux said.
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DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (NEWS 15) — A shocking video circulating online captured the moment an 18-wheeler struck a man working on a stop light in the Baton Rouge area. The footage, captured in Denham Springs, shows a worker on the ground signaling for the truck to make a sharper turn. The corner of the tractor-trailer hit the bucket, knocking it over with the electrical worker inside. The impact left the worker dangling upside down, but he was not injured.
Breaux noted that the video has put things into perspective for those working in such environments daily. He emphasized that harnesses are essential safety equipment, potentially life-saving.
He further explained the significance of preparation and safety measures during repair callouts, such as in Southwest Lafayette Parish. He pointed out how cones, markers, and flaggers play a crucial role in ensuring safety.
“Yeah, I mean, cones are important. A lot of the work we do are not over the road. It’s parallel to the road and not much room You see the big truck here. There’s not a whole lot of room for those guys to get out of the way in the road,” Breaux stated.
He added that safety is a priority for SLEMCO, with safety meetings held regularly to reinforce this commitment.
“And we preach safety almost every day. Have safety meetings in the office at least once a month,” he said.
Breaux underscored that the primary goal is ensuring workers return home safely to their families each night.
“Their biggest priority is making sure that they all go back home to their families safe at night,” Breaux added.
He also advised the public to take safety measures when encountering utility trucks on the road, urging drivers to slow down, give space, and wait for the right moment to turn.
