Occupational Safety and Health Improvements through Innovative Technologies in Underground Construction Sites: Main Trends and Some Case Histories

Abstract

When accompanied by a rigorous in-depth risk assessment and management, the introduction of innovative technologies in underground construction activities can substantially contribute to the overall quality and the health and safety of workers. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential improvements resulting from the use of emerging systems within this challenging environment, in the current context of technological development. The results, obtained through an analysis of the available literature on the topic, are divided based on their characteristics into support in design, Industry 4.0 context, management phase, and personal systems. Next, we discuss the results of some field tests of different emerging technologies drawn from experience gained in TELT—Tunnel Euralpin Lyon Turin SAS construction sites. The literature review and the feedback from practical applications in some case histories provide an overview of the main technologies and trends for the improvement of Occupational Safety and Health, although a fully integrated system still seems a distant prospect in underground construction sites. This study can contribute to the dissemination of the culture of safety and stimulate further research on the topic.