A Conceptual Framework for Improving Employee Training in Surface Mines Through Virtual Reality and Serious Game
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/Abstract
In addition to unfavorable weather and working conditions, incidents and injuries in this 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 programs. 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 (VR) and “serious games” (SG) 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 VR 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 VR 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.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Lazar Zujovic, Aleksandar Cvjetic, Vladislav Kecojevic, Miljan Gomilanovic, Nikola Stanic, Dejan Bugarin, Tanja Stankovic
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