Virtual Environments for Surface Mining Powered Haulage Training

This project investigated technologies and intervention strategies for reducing injuries and fatalities from powered haulage equipment in the metal/non-metal mining industry through improved worker training using virtual environments (VEs). The investigation focused on two primary equipments: haul trucks and conveyor systems. The research team developed VE applications to improve worker training for each type of equipment. The effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio of these VE training tools were empirically evaluated. Based on the results, the VE training tools were found beneficial for training pre-shift inspections of haul trucks and for training safety and operational procedures for conveyor systems.