A conceptual framework for improving employee training in surface mines through virtual reality and serious game

In addition to unfavourable weather and working conditions, incidents and injuries in the mining industry are not uncommon. Factors such as extreme weather conditions, heavy machinery, and unstable terrain make mining a high-risk occupation. To mitigate these risks, there is a growing need for ongoing improvements in employee safety protocols and training programmes. This paper presents a conceptual framework aimed at enhancing the safety training of employees working in surface mining operations. The proposed solution integrates virtual reality and “serious games” as innovative tools to improve safety awareness and preparedness among mine workers. Specifically, a serious game was developed in two versions: a desktop application and a fully immersive virtual reality experience, both using the Unity3D game engine. These applications are designed to simulate real-life mining environments and address various workplace safety scenarios, offering employees an interactive and engaging way to practice their responses to potential hazards. The use of serious games and virtual reality allows for a deeper level of engagement in training, helping workers to retain critical safety information while reducing the risks associated with traditional on-site training methods.