As part of the onboarding process in a high-risk industrial environment, we developed a mandatory VR training focused on safety procedures in tannery production.
The training is tailored for machine operators working in the wet-end phase of leather processing. This stage involves the use of rotating drums—large wooden or polypropylene cylinders where raw hides are treated with water and chemicals. The environment requires precise handling and strict safety compliance due to mechanical movement, chemical exposure, and high noise levels.
Training Objectives
- Teach new hires how to recognize hazardous zones and unsafe behaviors around automated equipment.
- Demonstrate correct startup and shutdown procedures, including lock-out/tag-out steps.
- Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and awareness of protective barriers and emergency systems.
- Simulate real-life incidents (e.g., blocked drums, chemical spills, mispositioned hides) to build decision-making confidence in high-risk scenarios.
Practical Tasks in the Virtual Setting
During the VR simulation, trainees are expected to:
- Interact with control panels and execute startup procedures step-by-step.
- Navigate a virtual version of the facility to identify safety zones and alert signals.
- Practice emergency responses, stopping the machines and following appropriate protocols.
- Receive immediate feedback on actions and repeat procedures until mastered.
Impact
The simulation ensures that every new employee completes safety training before entering the live facility. This reduces accident risk, standardizes onboarding, and saves time for senior staff by removing the need for one-on-one shadowing during early training stages.