“The company raised awareness in plant and community areas through a month-long campaign”
Balconagar (Public Forum). Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading aluminium producer in India and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, marked the 36th National Road Safety Month with a series of groundbreaking initiatives. Among these was the introduction of a cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) training module, which immersed over 150 employees in realistic traffic scenarios. The month-long campaign also featured activities such as carpooling, community rallies, and gamified learning sessions, all aimed at fostering a culture of road safety.
The new VR training module utilized headsets to provide employees with a first-person driving experience. Participants were required to make real-time decisions in various situations, including sudden braking, navigating blind spots, and pedestrian crossings. The technology offered immediate feedback, highlighting the consequences of unsafe driving in a controlled, risk-free environment. This hands-on approach bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, reinforcing a safety-first mindset and advancing the company’s mission to create a zero-harm workplace.
Reflecting on the campaign, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director of BALCO, stated, “This initiative was a call to action for everyone to prioritize safer roads, both within our plant premises and beyond. By combining education, technology, and infrastructure improvements, we are building a future where safety becomes second nature. Our commitment to Zero Harm is not just a goal; it’s a promise we strive to fulfill every day.”
Ms. Sonali Krishnamurti Ramteke, a BALCO employee, shared her enthusiasm: “The VR experience was truly captivating. The simulations challenged me with real-world driving scenarios that required split-second decisions. It was an eye-opening way to test my skills and has made me more conscious when I’m behind the wheel.”
The campaign successfully sparked meaningful conversations and drove behavioral change through a mix of innovation, education, and community engagement. Key highlights included:
– Awareness Through Placard Demonstrations: Over 5,000 employees were engaged through impactful placard displays strategically placed across the plant. The campaign emphasized pedestrian safety, lane discipline, and the importance of avoiding mobile phone use while driving. Innovative ‘smile’ and ‘cry’ cards were used to recognize safe practices and identify areas for improvement.
– Road Safety Rallies: Employees and business partners joined rallies to promote responsible driving and pedestrian etiquette, serving as a visual reminder of the collective responsibility for road safety.
– Gamified Learning: Interactive modules like ‘Road Rush’ and on-the-spot quizzes tested and reinforced road safety knowledge among over 440 employees, making learning both fun and effective.
– Art for Safety: A drawing and slogan-writing competition allowed over 60 employees and partners to creatively express their understanding of road safety.
– Community Outreach: BALCO extended its efforts to local schools and communities, educating more than 60 students on safe traffic practices.
– Health and Wellness Initiatives: A health and eye check-up camp benefited over 300 drivers and operators, while a blood donation drive saw participation from 170+ employees and business partners.
In addition to promoting road safety, BALCO integrated sustainability into its campaign. A dedicated carpooling drive not only reduced road congestion but also supported environmental conservation, aligning road safety with sustainable living.
By combining technology, education, and community engagement, BALCO has set a new standard for road safety initiatives, paving the way for a safer, more responsible future.
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