SafeSim Risk

SafeSim Risk (SSR) is designed to train players to identify hazards and good practices on a virtual construction site, and to understand the likelihood and severity of identified hazards based on their observation in the virtual world.

This study is funded by Ministry of Education (MOE) Tertiary Education Research Fund grant [MOE2018-TRF-019]. The contributions of Mr John Yap, Mr Mak Hon Keat, Mr Gan Ju-we, and Mr Lin Yibin are acknowledged and greatly appreciated.

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Design and Development

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Certification & Awards

Our learning outcomes

Identify hazards and good practices related to tools, equipment, materials, machines, processes or activities, workplace conditions, environment, and at-risk behaviours

Evaluate the risk levels of hazards based on the risk matrix

Our approach

Overview of SSR

Authentic virtual environment

SSR was co-developed with industry experts and based on real construction sites, focusing on working at height and lifting activities

Interactive learning features

SSR includes guided MCQs, feedback mechanisms, hazard tracking, and a phased site structure to support higher-order thinking and self-directed learning.

We adopt a 3D simulation game-based learning approach, and combine with authentic learning framework, that immerses learners in realistic scenarios, enabling them to apply technical knowledge, exercise critical thinking, and make decisions in safe, risk-free environments.

Key feature #1

Site Investigation

Camera Tool

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  • Use mouse wheel to zoom in and out, and frame the item
  • Ensure that item is highlighted in RED
  • Left-click to capture
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  • Drag the captured image to the correct folder
  • Points will be given:
    • + 10 to correct folder
    • - 5 to wrong folder
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  • Answer corresponding MCQ and get immediate feedback
  • Points will be given:
    • + 10 to correct answer
    • - 5 to wrong answer
Key feature #2

Site Investigation

Authentic tasks

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  • Ability to communicate with non-playable characters (NPC)
  • Authentic dialogues
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  • Call in office to verify permit to work (PTW) and work permit
  • For documentation hazards
Key feature #3

Site Investigation

Map and guidance tools

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  • Can teleport to different locations
  • Hover over areas for hints
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  • Assist learners to identify ”harder” hazards
  • Based on past data
Key feature #4

Risk evaluation

S&L ratings and export

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  • Rate the severity and likelihood of the hazard identified during the site walkthrough
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  • Ability to export the .pdf file of hazards identified and its rating

Awards

Annual Digital Education Award (ADEA)

Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) 2023

The ADEA was established to encourage the innovative use of digital technologies in teaching and to formally recognise colleagues at the National University of Singapore (NUS) who demonstrated excellence in enhancing student learning through digital means. The award highlighted impactful projects that exemplified thoughtful and effective digital integration in pedagogy, contributing meaningfully to student engagement and learning outcomes.

Publications

Authentic learning questionnaire for digital simulation games in higher education: A construction safety case study.

Safiena, S., & Goh, Y. M. (2024).

A hazard identification digital simulation game developed based on the extended authentic learning framework.

Safiena, S., & Goh, Y. M. (2022). 

Perceived importance of authentic learning factors in designing construction safety simulation game-based assignment: Random Forest approach.

Lee, Y. Y. R., Samad, H., & Miang Goh, Y. (2020). 

Check out our other research areas and current projects!