CLIENT
James Hardie

OBJECTIVE
Develop a construction focused jobsite training solution to reinforce crucial safety standards on James Hardie’s construction sites during home cladding.

APPROACH
A web-based interactive training software that integrates seamlessly into James Hardie’s existing LMS (Learning Management System). We decided on a gamified 3D simulation, combining elements of e-learning, virtual reality (VR) training, and immersive simulations to improve safety standards, with a secondary VR version of the application to further increase engagement among learners.

The Problem

Despite ongoing efforts in jobsite safety, construction environments continue to experience high rates of preventable accidents. Common jobsite hazards, such as trip hazards from extension cords, silica dust exposure, and improper manual handling, pose serious risks to worker health and safety. Standard training methods, often relying on traditional classroom-based learning or outdated e-learning modules, fail to engage workers effectively. These methods lack the immersive experience that allows workers to understand risks in a real-world context, reducing their impact and retention of safety knowledge. Moreover, many training programs do not offer tailored assessments, leaving supervisors unsure of which workers require additional guidance or remediation in specific safety protocols.

James Hardie identified these shortcomings within their own jobsite training efforts. Their safety standards, while robust, were not fully reflected in day-to-day operations, resulting in gaps that could lead to potential accidents. As such, the company needed a training solution that was not only engaging and interactive but could also assess workers’ understanding of risks in real-time and adapt to highlight areas requiring improvement.

THE SOLUTION

Shiift Training leveraged its expertise in EdTech and e-learning to create a web-based safety training application that immerses users in a detailed, 3D simulation of a typical James Hardie construction site. The software employs gamified elements, enabling workers to explore the site, identify safety hazards, and answer multiple-choice questions. The training incorporates advanced simulations, voiceovers, realistic animations, and directional sound effects to create an engaging, real-world learning experience. 

The program features 10 unique safety risks, each represented by looping animations of incorrect and correct safety practices. Workers are tasked with locating these risks and interacting with them to trigger quizzes, assessing their knowledge and understanding of best practices. By integrating the application into James Hardie’s LMS, the company can monitor individual performance, identify knowledge gaps, and deliver targeted retraining where necessary, enhancing both the effectiveness and accessibility of the program. 

The training application is being launched in two phases. Phase one focuses on the exterior jobsite risks, while phase two will introduce an interior scene with additional risks and animations. A VR version of the training will also be developed for deployment in James Hardie’s dedicated training centers, further enhancing the immersive learning experience.

Interesting and Unique Features 

1. 3D Simulation of Jobsite: The training platform features a 3D simulation of a James Hardie construction site, providing workers with an authentic training environment that mirrors real-world conditions. 
2. 10 Animated Risks: The application includes 10 different safety risks, each with detailed, looping animations representing both correct and incorrect safety practices, ensuring workers can identify and understand potential hazards. 
3. LMS Integration: The software integrates seamlessly with James Hardie’s existing LMS, allowing for easy tracking and assessment of each worker’s performance. This ensures that safety training is both accessible and personalized to individual needs.
4. Multiple-Choice Question Assessments: The training includes assessments after each hazard interaction, with results logged for future training needs. Each of the 10 safety risks give the user a summary of the risk and a question on best practice according to James Hardie’s specific safety guidelines. Results are flagged into the LMS to give James Hardie a deep understanding of each learner’s individual needs.