Tunnelling - understanding and managing the risks
Tunnelling projects present unique occupational health challenges, with workers exposed to complex physical, chemical and environmental hazards in dynamic underground environments. This session explores current approaches to identifying and managing these risks, highlighting operational considerations for protecting worker health and supporting safe operations, as well as the latest in clinical investigation and management. Delegates will gain insights from experts working at the intersection of occupational medicine, hygiene and the tunnelling industry.
Kate Cole OAM FAIOH
Certified Occupational Hygienist
Beneath the surface: the health risks of tunnelling work
This presentation explores the occupational health risks associated with tunnelling work, with a focus on exposure to respirable crystalline silica. It will examine current evidence, exposure trends across tunnelling methods and work groups, and the potential future burden of silica-related disease.
Learning Objectives:
By participating in this session, delegates can expect to:
- Identify the main work-related diseases associated with tunnelling
- Understand how common tunnel construction methods influence exposure to respirable crystalline silica and which work groups are at greater risk
- Understand the evidence on silica-related disease in tunnelling and trends in respirable crystalline silica exposure.
Dr Catherine Jones
Radiologist
Tunnel workers and how to image their lungs
This presentation outlines the current recommendations for screening and monitoring of former and current tunnel workers for occupational lung disease. Various strategies for screening will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
By participating in this session, delegates can expect to:
- Recognize the high-risk features on chest radiographs and high-resolution CT chest studies in tunnel workers.
- Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each modality
- Appreciate the importance of occupational history details in image interpretation
