Fortification conditions: Human perspectives

How are people affected by working underground for extended periods? As the need for protected facilities becomes relevant again, so too does the need for knowledge about the working environment in these settings. This project examines how factors in the physical and social environment influence the performance, wellbeing and sustained capacity of personnel working in underground fortifications.

Historically, Sweden has made major investments in underground fortifications – that is, especially protected facilities – to protect critical military and civilian functions. Many of these were later decommissioned, but the changing security situation has once again highlighted the need to protect critical operations, either permanently or when required. As a result, there is also a growing need for knowledge about how people are affected by working in fortifications over extended periods.

How the working environment in fortifications affects performance

The working environment in fortifications differs from ordinary workplaces. These environments lack daylight, are isolated from the outside world and may involve prolonged stays without the possibility of going outside. At the same time, personnel are expected to carry out tasks requiring high levels of concentration, effective cooperation and sound decision-making, even over extended periods and under demanding conditions. To ensure that operations can be conducted effectively, we therefore need a better understanding of how these environments affect human performance, wellbeing and sustained capacity.

Knowledge to improve the working environment

Research on the working environment in underground fortifications is limited. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge about which environmental factors support or hinder personnel’s ability to work effectively over time. The purpose of the project is therefore to identify how working in fortification environments affects cognitive ability, performance and wellbeing, and to generate knowledge that can be used to design, adapt and improve such environments.

A project in two parts

The project is carried out in two main parts. The first part gathers experiences from people who currently work, or who have previously worked, in underground fortifications. The second part examines more directly how factors such as lighting, acoustic conditions, physical design, work routines, sleep and recovery affect performance and wellbeing. The results will provide practically applicable knowledge for the modernisation of existing fortifications and for the planning and design of new fortifications within both civilian and military defence.