The obligation
The WHS Regulation defines a tunnel as an approximately horizontal underground passage or opening starting at the ground surface or at an excavation.
For the Code, a tunnel includes all associated underground structures, such as caverns, cut-and-cover excavations, portal structures and trenches, that facilitate underground construction and create health and safety risks. Unsupported ground is exposed ground in an underground excavation not yet stabilised by engineered ground support, or not deemed safe for entry by a competent person.
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- What
- The WHS Regulation defines a tunnel as an approximately horizontal underground passage or opening starting at the ground surface or at an excavation.
- Source
- safework.nsw.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
What counts as a tunnel under the code is a WHS requirement set out in Tunnels under construction (NSW). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). The relevant provision is Tunnels under construction > Definitions and scope.
What does this WHS obligation require?
What counts as a tunnel under the code is a WHS obligation under Tunnels under construction (NSW). In short, The WHS Regulation defines a tunnel as an approximately horizontal underground passage or opening starting at the ground surface or at an excavation.
What changed recently?
What counts as a tunnel under the code was last updated on 19 October 2026.