Over the last decade, digital twin technology has evolved from a futuristic concept associated with Industry 4.0 into a practical tool that improves efficiency, operational awareness, and—most importantly—workplace safety. Today, digital twins support industrial sectors ranging from energy and manufacturing to construction and maintenance.
By combining spatial data, 3D models, photogrammetry, laser scanning, panoramic imagery, documentation, IoT sensors, and operational data, a digital twin becomes an interactive environment that can be explored, analysed, and continuously updated.
In the context of HSE (Health, Safety & Environment), this opens entirely new opportunities for training, risk analysis, and emergency preparedness.
Webpano Signs placed inside the platform viewport for safety and site navigation.
Digital Twin as the Foundation of Modern HSE
A digital twin is an interactive spatial model that mirrors both the physical geometry of an asset and its operational context. It enables:
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exploring industrial facilities without being physically present,
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analysing environments in realistic 3D,
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conducting remote inspections,
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visualising hazards, evacuation paths, and critical areas.
In HSE, digital twins provide a safe, highly realistic environment for preparing employees to face situations that would be dangerous or impossible to simulate in the real world.
HSE Training in a Digital Environment
Traditional HSE training often relies on slides, documentation, and general examples.
Digital twins fundamentally improve this process by offering:
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realistic, immersive training environments,
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the ability to simulate specific hazard scenarios such as fires, leaks, or equipment failures,
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personalised training based on a particular site or workstation,
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remote training delivery — through a browser or VR.
This approach increases engagement and boosts the effectiveness of safety training.
Risk Assessment and Preventive Planning
Digital twin technology also enhances daily safety management and risk analysis. It enables:
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identifying potential hazards already at the design stage,
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simulating emergency scenarios and evaluating response procedures,
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planning the placement of safety equipment,
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analysing evacuation routes,
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conducting remote audits and monitoring changes over time.
This shifts the safety mindset toward prevention rather than reaction.
Webpano as a Practical HSE Tool within Digital Twins
A digital twin becomes truly useful when paired with tools that allow teams to work with it efficiently.
One such tool is Webpano, the 3Deling platform for viewing 3D models, point clouds, and panoramic images directly in a browser.
Webpano offers several features that support HSE, communication, and orientation:
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notes and annotations,
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location-linked documents,
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2D and 3D markups,
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viewpoints for training paths and walkthroughs,
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and signs.
This last feature enables quick and clear placement of important safety and orientation markers inside a digital environment — from AED points and hydrants to muster points and no-smoking zones.
New Video: Webpano Signs – Safety & Site Navigation in a Digital Twin
To demonstrate how this feature works in practice, we prepared a short tutorial showing Webpano Signs inside a virtual factory:
👉 Watch the video: Webpano Signs – Safety & Site Navigation in a Digital Twin
The video shows how the Webpano Signs feature makes it easy to mark important locations in a virtual environment — such as safety equipment, emergency points, or operational zones.
This improves spatial awareness and helps users quickly understand the layout of a facility, even when working remotely.
Digital Twins and the Culture of Safety
The true value of digital twin technology for HSE lies not only in the technology itself but in the change it brings to safety culture.
A digital environment encourages:
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active reporting and feedback,
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collaborative analysis of incidents,
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testing procedures in a safe context,
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cross-department cooperation.
It supports a culture of safety built on knowledge, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Digital twins are becoming an integral part of modern HSE strategies.
With features such as Webpano Signs, teams can easily highlight critical areas, improve worker orientation, and introduce safer, more informed workflows.
It is a natural step forward in creating a proactive, data-driven approach to workplace safety.
