Construction Worker Suffers Serious Injuries During Tunnel Boring Operation

This case involves an employee of a construction company who sustained an injury during a tunnel boring operation in Delaware when an elevated conveyor belt became jammed, struck him in the head, and pinned him against the wall of the tunnel. The worker, who was working towards the rear of the tunnel boring machine near the juncture of two rubble removal conveyor belts, noticed that one of the belts had become jammed. He attempted to reach an emergency shutoff switch when the conveyor belt suddenly shifted, causing substantial injuries. It was alleged that the operation lacked adequate safety standards, and that the machine itself also lacked a number of crucial safety features.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Have you operated an elevated conveyor belt before? Can you explain the safety precautions that should be observed by the operator and other personnel in the vicinity of the machine? 2. Have you served in an oversight or managerial capacity on these types of projects before? 3. Have you served as an expert on a case involving tunnel boring?

Expert Witness Response E-036576

I have extensive experience with tunnel boring and I can explain all of the safety protocols and processes involved with tunnel boring, and I have served as an expert on numerous tunnel boring cases. Since these machines are so powerful and the areas they operate in so confined, there are a number of crucial safety practices and mechanical / electric safety devices that must be present on any boring operation. Accidents like this do occur, however proper safety can prevent the vast majority of incidents.