Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Omaha Steve's Labor Group

eppur_se_muova

(41,805 posts)

3. The dangers of silicosis from rock dust have been known for DECADES.

Reply to underpants (Reply #1)

Tue Mar 17, 2026, 08:23 PM

Tuesday

In third place, we have the Hawks Nest Tunnel in West Virginia, a 3-mile-long mountain tunnel built in 1931. At least 764 workers died within five years of the tunnel's completion, primarily from breathing silica dust (silicosis). Some estimates put the death toll over 2,000. Even if we go with a lower number, that's a death rate of 152.8 per thousand workers.

Hawks Nest Tunnel may be the world's deadliest construction project if you want to be a purist. Its victims did not suffer from inhumane brutality or mosquito-borne disease. Their deaths were a direct result of their work.

https://www.360training.com/blog/worlds-deadliest-construction-projects

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

mopinko

4 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

'My Lungs Had Nothing Left': Inside the Epidemic Killing Countertop Stonecutters [View all] Omaha Steve Tuesday OP

Wow. I'd never thought of that. underpants Tuesday #1

The dangers of silicosis from rock dust have been known for DECADES. eppur_se_muova Tuesday #3

Hawks Nest underpants Tuesday #4

I feel for them, their suffering must be intense 😥 Clouds Passing Tuesday #2