What sent workers underground in claustrophobia-inducing groups literally stacked upon each other has given way to some of the most efficient man transport options in the history of mining.

In fact, many original equipment manufacturers now include comfort and ergonomics research and development in their design plans for new products with substantial progress made over the past few years.

Even today, however, mines possessing shafts for man transport have been somewhat plagued with additional dangers, primarily during initial construction.

Earlier this year, a 38-year-old contractor was killed in Illinois when he fell off a raised work deck more than 30 feet above the shaft bottom that was under construction.

The worker was reportedly unharnessed when he and his fellow workers were rigging out from a concrete pour and were getting ready to move the work deck.

Despite the dangers, options for getting from portal office to face have certainly increased.

As the blackened faces and exhausted stares of the group surrounding this sardine-like design reflect, progress did not come a day too soon.