Underground construction sites pose particular risks of accidents and injuries to workers.
According to the International Labor Organization’s Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety:
- Hard physical labor can cause bodily injuries.
- Roof falls or cave-ins can cause head injuries, crush injuries, suffocation or death.
- Exposure to crystalline silica dust and cement dust can lead to respiratory, lung or skin problems.
- Exposure to chemical vapors can cause lung problems, including chemical pneumonitis, which can lead to respiratory failure and death if left unchecked.
- Exposure to radon can cause lung cancer.
- Oxygen-deficient atmospheres can contribute to breathing problems, such as asthma.
