ABSTRACT
“Safety” is, by many, only associated with the question of accidents incurred to individuals while at work. This is a serious misconception. The authors’ views are that health and safety strategies should be based, not on the likelihood of otherwise of personal accidents, but on the much broader concept of the potential and actual risks to all persons and the environment. The essence of this comprehensive approach to the identification and control of risks in underground construction, is that this work can be done by clients, designers, planners, equipment manufacturers as well as contractors. Leaving the “management of safety” only in the hands of site safety officers, however well motivated and knowledgeable, is an unsatisfactory approach.
