Caissoners

Caissoners are skilled workers who specialize in the construction and repair of caissons. Caissons are watertight retaining structures used by engineers for underwater construction, such as for bridge foundations or tunnel sections. These structures are typically large, prefabricated chambers that are sunk to the seabed or riverbed, allowing workers to excavate the material beneath them and build the foundation or structure in a dry environment.

The work of a caissoner is demanding and inherently dangerous. It often involves working in confined spaces under significant atmospheric pressure, a condition known as compressed air. This environment requires specialized training and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." Caissoners must be proficient in operating heavy machinery, working with concrete, and managing the complex systems that control air pressure and water removal within the caisson.

Historically, caisson work was particularly hazardous due to a less developed understanding of the physiological effects of compressed air. Advances in diving medicine and engineering safety practices have significantly improved conditions, though the profession still demands a high level of physical fitness and mental resilience. Caissoners are essential to many large-scale civil engineering projects that require building below the water level, making them a vital, albeit often unseen, part of modern infrastructure development.