Simulation plays a key role in prevention
On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we're highlighting the progress we've made with the introduction of visor-equipped helmets—an initiative that, just one year in, has transformed how we approach safety training.
Innovation serving safety. As it does every year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released a report to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. In this year’s global edition, the ILO highlights a “Safety Revolution” driven by the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital tools in the workplace. It notes that “extended and virtual reality are transforming team building through immersive simulations for hazard recognition and emergency response, while also boosting long-term skills retention.”
Virtual reality headsets, used through the Ludus platform, are now a regular part of our HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) training programs in Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico—and most recently, Argentina has joined in as well. “There are several studies showing that simulated environments lead to better knowledge retention. People learn more by doing and experiencing,” explains Rossmery Maturana, HSE Regional Senior Manager.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation simulations enable real-time assessment of rhythm and effort to improve performance.-
The Ludus platform uses vivid, immersive scenarios to recreate risk situations—like CPR, construction safety, hand injury prevention, LOTO (lock-out/tag-out), and firefighting—giving trainees the chance to deepen their understanding of unsafe acts and conditions without being exposed to real danger.
"We’re doing more than just keeping up with trends as we’re actively looking for new ways to empower those who train others in health and safety,” says Rossmery. “We want alternatives to traditional training methods that are able to help consolidate knowledge and build greater awareness. That’s how we prevent accidents.” Ignacio Laurito, IT Digital Solution Analyst, adds that, “Safety is a top priority at Tecpetrol. By running through these situations in a controlled, virtual setting, we’re reducing the risks people face on the ground.”
The Neuquén Basin in action.-
Training isn’t just about going through the motions—it’s about feeling it, living it, and learning from it. When that learning happens in an immersive environment, the brain registers it as a real experience—one that could make all the difference someday.
"Every change takes time and involves adapting to new technologies, and having the support of the HSE team throughout this journey is key to making it work,” explains Guillermo Prieto, Health & Safety Senior Manager.