This is a rough business, and it is inherently dangerous. But if attention is paid, we can reduce the hazards to an absolute minimum. That is our aim. Healy's Paige echoed Bogert's determination. For this job, I would love to have zero.
All hands are responsible for safety.
The lowest laborer on this job knows he can stop the work for safety concerns without repercussions. Paige described a company safety policy similar to Fermilab's Integrated Safety Management, with hazard analyses for each task, frequent workplace safety meetings, and extensive and targeted safety training. And as part of the project contract, he said, personnel from the Fermilab Fire Department will receive specialized mine rescue training from Healy, creating an on-site mine rescue team, ready to act if the need arises. While much of the excavation will take place with little effect on surrounding areas, when blasting for the main NuMI shaft begins, people at Fermilab and in nearby neighborhoods will hear and feel it. However, according to Paige, the strength and duration of the blasts will be limited, to prevent damage to nearby accelerator tunnels.