The characterization of the most typical accidents at work and occupational diseases allows the accident analysis to gain more space as a tool for risk analysis, through the already established added value of learning from past events and mistakes.  This article analyses, using Eurostat variables, the most typical accidents at work and occupational diseases in tunnelling in Portugal. It presents data from 150 accidents at work and 42 cases of occupational diseases in tunnelling. A relevant technical-scientific contribution is thus made to the understanding of the causes of accidents at work and occupational diseases.