Cement Manufacturers Association

13 Training through Digitalization – Risk Based Virtual Reality Modules for Frontline Workers Objective Enhancing skill and hazard awareness of the contractual workforce on specific activities in conventional safety trainings remains a daunting challenge. Hence it was felt necessary to make these trainings interesting and engaging to them so that they can grasp the content more easily and retain the learnings for quite a longer duration post training. At UltraTech, traditional training system for workers are already in place, i.e. Classroom, MS (Microsoft) PowerPoint, lectures, seminars, pep talk, training on wheels etc. Though these methods have been used for a long, they have their own limitations with respect to improving workers’ perception of risks associated with numerous activities performed by them. UltraTech aimed to proactively address the challenges of worker safety, health, and well-being to achieve organizational goal of “Zero Harm” by adopting an advanced digital technology. Solution Explanatory Virtual Reality (VR) enabled immersive training modules, that seamlessly guide workers through the simulation of high-risk activities, were chosen for this purpose. Key features are as follows:  Use of computer modelling and simulation which enables a person to interact with an artificial three- dimensional (3-D) visual hazard understand its risks KNV Kiran Kumar Senior Vice President, Head Safety, UltraTech Cement Limited and ultimately, learn the safest way of doing the activity to avoid any negative consequences.  The aim of introducing VR modules was to address “At-Risk behaviour”, and facilitate contract workmen to find out about workplace hazards and associated risks.  Each module (4/5 minutes) has various steps including Do’s and Don’ts of the task.  At the end of the training, users assess their understanding of the task and the system generates automatic reports. POC (Proof of Concept) POC initiated with Packing Plant modules i.e., Cement Truck Loading Safety and Roto-Packer Operation safety modules. During the POC, issues of alignment of existing training infrastructure and organizing methods were identified and resolved with the help of unit management. Post successful run of these 02 modules, 30 High Risk trades/ activities were identified with the help of safety and line teams to develop and roll out across UltraTech. Methodology In the context of methodology, organisation stakeholders at various levels are involved in the process of proofing to eliminate errors and mistakes. The sequence of steps were as follows: