Criminology and Security Science / M. Tech. (Policing)

The mining industry in South Africa contributes significantly to the national economy. Despite stringent safety legislation, mining accidents cause numerous fatalities and injuries. Inadequate or insufficient training is often cited as a root cause of accidents. Conventional class-based safety training has not reduced the incidence of accidents significantly. By contrast, virtual reality training tools can provide simulated exposure to real-world working conditions without the associated risks. This study describes the application of design-based research (DBR) in the design and development of two desktop virtual reality (VR) systems for safety training in the South African mining industry. The results of a usability context analysis were applied in the design of a VR prototype on generic hazards recognition and rectification, which was used and evaluated at South Africa‘s largest platinum mine site. A case study was conducted to investigate the causes and occurrences of falls of ground, which resulted in the design and development of a second VR prototype focusing on identifying and addressing underground geological conditions. DBR was also used in the generation of an evaluation framework for evaluating VR training systems, namely the Desktop VR Evaluation Framework (DEVREF), which is the major deliverable of the research. DEVREF can make a major contribution to the domain of e-training in mines and is transferable and customisable beyond its initial application. The process flow of the research thus moved beyond merely providing a solution to a complex real-world problem and became a classic DBR study with dual outcomes, namely a practical real-world solution in the form of two VR training systems and a theoretical contribution in the form of the DEVREF evaluation framework. DEVREF evaluates the design of desktop VR training systems in the categories of instructional design, usability, VR systems design, and context-specific criteria for mining. The use of DEVREF is demonstrated by reporting the application of its criteria in evaluating the two VR training systems. Heuristic evaluation, end-user surveys, and interviews were used as evaluation methods. A third contribution is methodological, in that this work proposes a new DBR process model and an interaction design lifecycle model suitable for VR training systems. / Computing / D. Phil. (Information Systems)

<p dir="ltr">This study evaluated a technology-based intervention aimed at reducing injuries among young and new farmers and ranchers (YNFR) by enhancing access to critical machinery safety information. To address high injury rates linked to agricultural machinery, this project developed an educational program integrating Quick Response (QR) codes directly on equipment to teach critical maintenance and safety concepts. These codes allowed YNFRs to instantly access tailored instructional content, including video modules and maintenance checklists, via mobile devices. The content was derived from Purdue University’s "Gearing Up for Safety" curriculum and emphasized competencies such as pre-operation inspections, hazard awareness, and essential maintenance procedures.</p><p dir="ltr">With guidance from an advisory group comprising agricultural educators, small-scale farmers, and safety experts, the project prioritized addressing common injury causes such as rollovers, entanglements, and falls. Analysis of more than 200 incident reports informed the development of QR-linked instructional materials tailored to the unique safety challenges of the YNFR demographic. This system provided accessible, reliable, and practical safety information through instructional videos, enabling users to engage with critical content directly at the point of need.</p><p dir="ltr">Findings indicated that QR-based delivery facilitated user access to reliable, practical instruction. Participants were able to learn safer equipment handling and maintenance practices. Pre- and post-quiz results demonstrated a measurable increase in knowledge. Suggested future research could quantify the long-term impact of this approach on YNFR safety performance and behavioral change.</p>