Sandhogs

Survival Tales

The sandhogs' tales of survival are legendary, with stories of near-death experiences that highlight the perilous nature of their work. Jim Murtha recounts the story of Marshall Mabey, who survived being shot out of a tunnel blowout and into the river, while his colleagues perished 1. These stories underscore the unpredictable dangers faced by sandhogs, where survival often seems a matter of fate. Roman Mars notes the resilience of these workers, who often return to work despite severe injuries 1.

When your time's up, your time's up. Whether you're walking down the street or working underground. Just gonna go. You're gonna go. When the man says it's time, you're gone. That's all. Simple as that.

--- Unknown

The sacrifices made by sandhogs are commemorated annually at St Barnabas Church, where the names of those who died are read aloud in tribute 2.

   

Life Underground

Personal stories from sandhogs reveal the gritty reality of life underground, where economic necessity often outweighs the romanticism of the work. Roman Mars describes the cramped conditions in which sandhogs operate, likening it to being inside a funnel with no escape from falling debris 3. Despite the dangers, many sandhogs, like Edward McInnes, follow in their fathers' footsteps, driven by economic needs 4.

Economics decides a lot of our lives, and it decided mine.

--- Edward McInnes

The formation of the sandhogs' union was a pivotal moment, providing necessary protection and better working conditions for these workers 4.