Keeping a track on exposure of underground construction workers

Working underground, most notably tunnelling, has long been recognised as a dusty and potentially hazardous occupation. In 2015, IOM investigated the exposure to dust, silica and diesel exhaust emissions experienced by construction workers engaged in tunnelling operations in Crossrail tunnels in London.

The study provided new knowledge about the unhealthy environmental conditions that exist in tunnelling environments. The findings highlighted the need to further reduce exposure to ensure a safe working environment for the underground tunnelling construction workers.