Tunnel construction workers at a project site near the north end of the Las Vegas Strip have reported experiencing serious chemical burns due to exposure to accelerants used in the construction process. The tunnel, intended to connect the Encore Las Vegas and the Westgate hotels with the Las Vegas Convention Center, has presented challenges for workers due to the muck pooling within, which workers have likened to the consistency of a milkshake and at some points sitting at least two feet deep.

Workers at the site describe wading through the mud daily, with it splashing up over their boots, arms, and faces, and soaking through their clothes. Although initially feeling damp, the mud was found to contain accelerants used to cure the grout that seals the tunnel's concrete supports, essential for its structural integrity. These accelerants, while crucial for the construction process, have caused severe burns to workers' skin, with some left permanently scarred on their arms and legs. At least one worker reportedly suffered a direct hit to the face from the chemicals.

An investigation conducted by Nevada's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, obtained by Bloomberg Businessweek through a freedom of information request, sheds light on the hazardous conditions faced by workers at the site. Workers recall their experiences with exposure to the accelerants, with one mentioning the sensation of feeling like they were on fire due to the chemicals.

The report raises concerns about the safety protocols in place at the construction site and highlights the need for increased measures to protect workers from such chemical hazards. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those working in the construction industry and the importance of prioritizing worker safety in all construction projects.