Forklift Driver Crushed by One Ton of Steel Bars in Suphanburi

[Georgealbert]

 

 

In an incident that took place on October 13, a forklift operator was killed instantly after the his forklift which was lifting a one ton of steel bars malfunctioned, causing the load to fall and crush him.

 

At approximately 10:00 Police Lieutenant Colonel Adisak Semrod, an investigator with Song Phi Nong Police Station, was alerted to the incident, which occurred at an old rice mill in Bang Sam Market, Moo 5, Bang Len sub-district, Song Phi Nong district. Authorities, including medical personnel from Somdet Phra Sangkharat Hospital and emergency responders from the Semokan Suphanburi Foundation, arrived swiftly at the scene.

 

 

Upon arrival, they found the forklift pinned beneath the heavy steel bars, with the driver, identified as Mr. Khaotip, 37, crushed beneath the weight of the metal. His body displayed severe injuries to his face and chest.

 

Mr. Phaitoon, 60, the victim’s father, who was present at the time of the incident, explained that they had been hired to load steel onto a six-wheeled truck. While the first load was lifted without issue, the second one ton of bars slipped as it was being placed on the truck, causing the forklift’s lifting mast, to buckle and collapse onto his son. Despite efforts from Mr. Phaitoon and another worker to lift and remove the steel and support it with wooden beams, Mr. Khaotip succumbed to his injuries before help could arrive.

 

Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. The victim’s body has been handed over to his family.

 

Picture from responders.

 

-- 2024-10-14
 

 

[Korat Kiwi]

Where is the forklift safety cage?  It's designed to protect the driver. 

 

Time to question the owner

[brianthainess]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

the second one ton of bars slipped as it was being placed on the truck, causing the forklift’s lifting mast, to buckle and collapse onto his son.

So not really a malfunction, but badly loaded and not secured to the mast. RIP.  

[MikeandDow]

This is a Work place accident and requires specialized Investigation as to the cause,  I don't think the local police have the experience to investigate, There should be occupational health and safety inspectors doing the investigation and if the finding are criminal then handed over to the police for prosecution.  Thais have No concept of safety,    More and More accidents like this will follow until Safety is mandated by Law , Where was the company's Safety  Rep ??, was there a risk assessment done,  until basic safety  is enforced this will continue.