Tunnel Safety Simulator
An immersive 3D safety planning tool transforming how rail teams prepare for tunnel operations.
Case Study
For KiwiRail, we developed a Tunnel Safety Simulator designed to enhance worksite planning and safety for rail works within tunnels across New Zealand. This tool allows workers to place 3D props into detailed tunnel replicas, creating safety scenarios that help teams visualise and discuss site setup, identify potential risks, and discuss hazard management in various situations.
The Tunnel Safety Planner has been a resounding success for KiwiRail, with work crews now using it daily as a core part of their site preparation. The interactive 3D environment allows crews to envision themselves in the physical space, sparking lively discussions and enabling real-time experimentation with different layout options. This immersive approach not only fosters greater engagement but also improves familiarity with the worksite, significantly enhancing awareness of safety hazards before teams even set foot on site. The ability to quickly iterate and adjust health and safety plans has streamlined what would traditionally be a slow and unengaging process, making it more accessible and collaborative.
The project’s impact has been recognised with a finalist position in the 2024 New Zealand Safeguard Awards for workplace safety innovation.
“Working with Prismatic Studios was an incredibly smooth and rewarding experience. They demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand KiwiRail’s unique safety and operational needs, translating these into an elegant and immersive solution. The team quickly grasped the critical aspects of our project, enabling them to create a ‘Tunnel Simulator’ that is both highly engaging and user-friendly. This simulator has transformed our approach to safety planning, allowing our crews to visualise and interact with complex work environments before even stepping foot on site. Prismatic Studios has made it easy for our teams to engage with the simulation, enhancing both their planning effectiveness and their confidence in executing high-risk tasks. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Prismatic Studios to push the boundaries of safety and training.”
