Preventing serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) is a top priority in safety, but accurately identifying potential SIF (PSIF) events remains a significant challenge. In 2019, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) working group developed the Safety Classification and Learning (SCL) Model to address this issue. This project delivers just-in-time safety training to over 9,000 energy field technicians and supervisors.
The Challenge
The SCL Model aimed to improve shared learning and create reliable safety metrics by providing a consistent framework for classifying and defining incidents. Despite these efforts, current classification methods often led to significant inconsistencies, or “noise,” limiting their ability to drive actionable insights.
The Solution
To address this challenge, we developed the High Energy Hazards curriculum, which included a comprehensive quiz and branching scenario simulation to replicate typical incidents. The goal was to raise critical awareness and improve compliance in preparation for upcoming mandates.
The curriculum was divided into three modules:
Awareness
Learners explore a branching scenario where they navigate all possible outcomes of a high-energy incident.
Exploration
Exploration, available to all employees, provides scenarios to demonstrate each type of high energy hazard—including safety measures—typical to field environments.
Advanced Awareness
Advanced Awareness equips field supervisors to identify incidents and report in compliance with CPUC. Supervisors can practice responding to the questions that they will need to answer when reporting an incident.
The Process
Development of this curriculum was a collaborative effort, in which SMEs, stakeholders, graphic artists, copy editors, and instructional designers played integral roles.
My role included designing a functional prototype for an opening scenario, using a tool called Twine. Select the button below to see the initial proof of concept.
I also prototyped a series of immersive branched scenarios that presented a realistic incident and prompted learners to decide:
- Was high energy present?
- Was a serious injury sustained?
- Was there a high-energy incident?
- Was a direct control present?
The following video shows one such sequence.
And here’s a sample screenshot of what the polished final version looks like.
The Outcome
The training was well-received in the field and won two industry awards:
- 2022 Silver | Horizon Interactive | Training/E-Learning
- 2023 Gold | Hermes Creative | Web-based Training
Key Takeaways
- Branched scenarios make training practical and engaging, improving real-world application.
- Just-in-time eLearning ensure timely delivery of safety and compliance information to 9K employees.
- Digital training can deliver ensuring consistent, high-quality safety education to a large, dispersed workforce.
- Balancing regulatory compliance with practical safety knowledge prepares employees for upcoming mandates.
- Aligning content with a rigorous model reduces inconsistencies in safety classification and reporting.
- Iterative design and testing can enable quick adjustments based on feedback.