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Construction Safety in Tunnels

Many of the functions performed by construction workers are dangerous, and working underground in tunnels breeds multiple safety hazards. According to OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, specific safety precautions must be taken by workers in tunnels in order to prevent accidental injuries and fatalities.

  1. Training

    • According to OSHA, employers must adequately prepare construction workers to work in underground environments. This can be done through an extensive training program. Air monitoring, illumination, communication, flood control, evacuation planning and personal protective equipment are topics recommended by OSHA to be part of the training program.

    Types

    • Employees who work in tunnels must be constantly aware of their surroundings and on the lookout for potential hazards. Floods, fires, explosives, cave-ins and suffocation from oxygen deficiencies are the main hazards associated with tunneling, which can lead to severe injuries, such as drowning, burns and suffocation.

    Features

    • OSHA has certain requirements for construction safety in tunnels, including safe entry and exit points. Entries and exits must be free from obstruction in case workers need to escape the tunnel urgently. Before workers are sent into tunnels, the air must be tested for contamination and oxygen levels must be taken. If oxygen is low in the tunnel's atmosphere, workers will be required to wear ventilation equipment to help them breathe safely.

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