BHP Enhances Safety Culture with Extended Reality Technology
BHP Enhances Safety Culture with Extended Reality Technology
Synopsis
- BHP is using XR including AR, VR, and MR to strengthen workplace safety practices.
- Smart Helmets enable real-time remote coaching and field leadership across multiple sites.
- VR modules at Olympic Dam improve hazard awareness by simulating “damaging energies.”
- Trials show higher training scores and safer operational outcomes.
- XR adoption aligns with their values of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Estimated Reading Time: 5 mins
BHP reports that XR technology is reshaping how industries approach training, safety, and leadership in the workplace. According to the company, XR—covering augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality—provides new ways to identify safe work practices, highlight risks, and improve operational procedures.
Through wearable XR solutions like Smart Helmets, which integrate microphones and cameras, digital data can be overlaid on the real world or viewed within a fully immersive 360-degree environment. They are applying these tools to strengthen its safety culture and refine everyday work practices.
Connecting Leaders and Coaches with Frontline Workers
As part of the global Field Leadership Program, BHP leaders spend time directly engaging with frontline teams to build a culture of care through “felt leadership.” However, challenges such as travel, scheduling, and physical constraints can limit the frequency of these sessions.
To address this, BHP’s Mobility and Development and Workplace Technology teams tested Smart Helmets for remote field leadership. In one case, during routine forklift inspections conducted across 19 sites, operators wore helmets with voice control while coaches in Adelaide and Brisbane observed live video feeds. This gave supervisors real-time insight into workplace conditions and enabled them to recommend improvements for safety procedures and risk controls.
This initiative shows how XR can help frontline workers share their perspectives while reinforcing leadership connection and collaboration across geographical distances. Smart Helmets are now officially part of their equipment for supporting safer operations.
Enhancing Safety Training at Olympic Dam
BHP has also trialed VR modules at Olympic Dam to boost hazard awareness. The training focuses on understanding hazards as “damaging energies”—sources of harm present in daily operations through people, machines, or the work environment. Examples include vehicular, gravitational, electrical, thermal, and chemical risks.
Two VR modules have been released: one simulating hazards in the smelter and another focusing on the 420 Plat underground workshop. Using headsets, workers can safely practise decision-making, test responses, and learn from mistakes without real-world risk.
Feedback has shown an improvement in training scores, with participants gaining a clearer understanding of risks and preventive measures.
Driving Broader Safety Outcomes
BHP highlights that these XR initiatives are part of a broader strategy to:
- Integrate safety directly into work via the BHP Operating System (BOS).
- Improve engagement quality within the Field Leadership Program.
- Build stronger safety leadership capabilities across the company.
These projects demonstrate how XR is not only transforming training and communication but also reinforcing BHP’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous safety improvement.
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About BHP
BHP is one of the world’s leading resource companies, with operations spanning mining, petroleum, and energy. Headquartered in Australia, the company produces essential commodities such as iron ore, copper, coal, and nickel, which are critical for global infrastructure and clean energy transition. BHP emphasizes sustainability, safety, and innovation, investing heavily in digital technologies like XR and data systems to enhance productivity and workplace safety. With projects across Australia, the Americas, and beyond, BHP continues to focus on reducing emissions, improving environmental outcomes, and supporting the global shift toward renewable energy and sustainable industrial growth.
Featured Image Source The Orem
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