Crane Inspector Dies During Tower Crane Inspection in Bangkok
30 Second Takeaway
A 33-year-old crane inspector, Wasanan Thiankaew, died on October 8 while checking a luffing jib tower crane at a hospital construction site in Bangkok’s Chaeng Watthana area. Preliminary reports say he became caught in moving hoist or luffing cables while the crane was operating. The crane operator stopped the machine after noticing a problem, but Thiankaew suffered fatal injuries. Police are investigating, while an early safety analysis has highlighted the risks of inspecting energized machinery and accessing unguarded moving parts.
Incident Overview
Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand
Thiankaew was carrying out a scheduled inspection of a luffing jib tower crane at a new hospital construction site. He was reportedly checking the hoist and luffing cables while the crane was operating when he fell into the area of the cable drums and became entangled.
The 33-year-old was declared dead at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 8, at a hospital construction site in Bangkok’s Chaeng Watthana area.
Wasanan Thiankaew, 33, was carrying out a scheduled crane inspection.
He was reportedly checking the hoist and luffing cables while the crane was operating.
Preliminary accounts say he fell into the operating area of the drums and cables and became entangled.
The crane operator noticed a problem and stopped the crane.
Thiankaew suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
Police began an investigation into the incident.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Luffing jib tower crane.
Incident type: Fatal entanglement during crane inspection.
Location: Hospital construction site in Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand.
Work activity: Scheduled inspection of the crane’s hoist and luffing cables.
Injuries: The inspector died at the scene.
Machine status: The crane was reportedly operating during the inspection.
Investigation status: Police are investigating. A separate preliminary safety analysis has identified hazards associated with inspecting energized equipment and access to moving components.
Early Observations
Preliminary accounts indicate that the inspection took place while the crane’s drums and cables were moving. Thailand’s occupational safety institute has highlighted the danger of approaching moving crane components during inspection or maintenance and called attention to the need to stop and isolate machinery before entering hazardous areas.
Its preliminary analysis also noted concerns about access to moving parts and guarding around the cable path. These observations are safety findings, not a final determination of legal responsibility or the complete cause of the incident. The police investigation is ongoing.
Why This Incident Was Possible
The full circumstances remain under investigation. Preliminary safety observations have identified several hazards relevant to the incident:
Inspection work reportedly took place while the crane was energized and operating.
The inspector was able to access moving drums and cables.
The cable operating area may not have been adequately guarded or isolated.
A fall or loss of footing near moving machinery can bring a worker into a serious entanglement hazard.
Investigators will determine how these conditions arose and whether other factors contributed.
Industry Reminder
Inspection and maintenance work around cranes can expose workers to rotating drums, moving wire rope and other powered components. Before anyone enters a hazard area, equipment should be stopped, energy sources isolated, stored energy addressed and the isolation verified.
Work areas should also be protected with suitable guarding or barriers. Clear communication between inspectors and operators, a defined work permit and assigned responsibilities can help prevent equipment movement while people are exposed to hazardous parts.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane accidents, crane collapses and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness, learning and prevention.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. Police are investigating, and the safety observations cited are preliminary. The article may be updated as further findings are released.
How Crane Inspection Fatalities Can Be Prevented
Stop and isolate equipment before inspection
Identify all energy sources, shut down the machine, isolate and lock them, address stored energy, and verify that the equipment cannot move before entering a hazardous area.
Guard drums and moving cable paths
Use suitable guards, barriers or restricted zones to prevent access to moving drums, sheaves and wire rope during operation.
Use a written inspection procedure and permit
Define the inspection scope, isolation requirements, responsible people and steps for returning equipment to service.
Coordinate between inspectors and operators
Establish clear communication and confirm that the operator will not move crane functions while inspection work is underway.
Train workers for the specific task
Ensure inspectors and operators understand the equipment’s hazards, isolation procedures and emergency response arrangements.
Review safeguards after an incident or near miss
Use findings to reassess inspection procedures, guarding, isolation practices and worker access around moving machinery.
