The Cyprus Institute continues to pioneer the use of cutting-edge technologies in training employees on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). At the 2025 Good Practice Awards organized by the Department of Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, the Institute received the 1st Prize for its innovative initiative entitled “Use of Virtual Reality Technology in Training for Occupational Safety and Health.” The award ceremony took place on October 24, 2025, during which the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance presented the award to the Institute’s Health and Safety Officer, Ms. Eirena Vourka.

 

The Cyprus Institute’s award-winning practice employs Virtual Reality (VR) technology to provide an immersive, realistic, and safe training experience.  Through simulations of real-life workplace scenarios, participants are trained in:

• identifying and managing risks,
• responding effectively to emergency situations,
• strengthening a culture of prevention and safety.

This approach plays a decisive role in enhancing the effectiveness of training, reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents, and fostering a shared sense of responsibility for safety across the organization.

 

The award falls within the framework of the EU-OSHA 2023–2025 European Campaign entitled “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age”, which focuses on leveraging new technologies to improve working conditions.  The Cyprus Institute’s recognition stands as a testament to how digital innovation can effectively contribute to enhancing safety and wellbeing in the workplace.

 

“This distinction is a recognition of our continuous efforts to apply science and technology to improve safety, quality, and sustainability in the workplace.  Virtual Reality enables us to train our people in a more realistic, meaningful, and safe way,” stated Dr. Michalis Giangou, Vice President of Operations at the Cyprus Institute.