The challenge: To raise awareness of the risks of falls from height quickly and effectively
Regional Government of Andalusia
An autonomous government body that promotes a culture of prevention and the reduction of workplace accidents within the Andalusian business community.
Jorge Carbajal
Director of the PRL Centre in Seville
People who hear about a concept that may seem rather abstract, such as Occupational Health and Safety, can now feel, touch and experience first-hand elements that will, in some way, enable them to understand the risks and preventive measures through their own personal experience.
The solution: An interactive VR fall simulator integrated into a mobile training unit
We have developed an interactive virtual reality application, designed to be integrated into the Optimus mobile training unit produced by Silman 97. The simulation begins on the building site, where the user must select the correct PPE (helmet, harness, gloves and lifeline) before ascending to the roof of a building. Whilst installing roof panels, the surface beneath their feet gives way, triggering an immersive fall in which the harness prevents a fatal outcome.
The experience adapts its mechanics and provides immediate feedback based on the user’s previous decisions, illustrating the consequences of not being properly insured. Thanks to the Meta Quest headset’s autonomy and ease of deployment, the simulator made it possible to take practical safety training directly to industrial estates and business parks throughout Andalusia.
Attendees who gave the roadshow the highest rating
Andalusian provinces to raise awareness amongst workers
Time required to complete the high-impact experience
- Detailed rendering of a building under construction, featuring interactive elements such as scaffolding, cranes and roof panels
- An interactive system in which the correct choice of equipment determines safety and the final outcome
- A simulation of the moment the ground gives way and the subsequent suspension in the air, supported by the harness, to facilitate experiential learning
- Native, standalone, wireless development, ideal for rapid deployment in a mobile unit
Key findings
The simulator developed demonstrated that virtual reality is a key tool for driving change and strengthening the organisation’s safety culture. By enabling workers to experience first-hand the consequences of a momentary lapse in concentration or failing to fasten their harness, the message was retained far more effectively than with traditional safety talks, reaching hundreds of workers in record time during the mobile unit’s tour.
The project was exceptionally well received by the business community and workers across the seven Andalusian provinces. The combination of immersive technology and interactive design validated the touring format developed by the Regional Government of Andalusia and Silman 97 as an innovative and effective model for reducing workplace accidents in high-risk sectors.
