[Report] 'Zero Serious Accidents' at SKT... "Realistic Safety Training with AI and Drones"

"SK Telecom has recorded zero serious industrial accidents over the past three years. We plan to further improve our training programs by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance accident prevention effectiveness."

An SK Telecom employee is explaining the proper usage of the hoisting platform. Photo by Gyoekjo Noh

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On April 24, SK Telecom's 'Safety Experience Training Center' in Jung-gu, Daejeon was visited. Opened in 2023, this facility simulates 30 types of high-risk tasks and situations, such as inspecting utility poles and evacuating during fires. By allowing participants to vividly experience accidents that could occur in the field, the center helps workers develop their own awareness and response capabilities. According to SK Telecom, the training is provided to employees of SK Telecom, its subsidiaries, affiliates, and partner companies. Since its opening, 11,165 people from over 200 companies have visited the center.

The center offers a variety of training programs, ranging from devices that highlight the dangers of electrocution and falling objects to processes that use drones to inspect the safety of communication towers. First, participants experience the importance of wearing safety shoes and helmets through a 3 to 5 kg falling object simulation. They also learn the proper usage of the hoisting platform and portable ladders. For each hands-on experience, safety guidelines are clearly displayed.

This year, the center introduced the use of drones for the first time. SK Telecom is actively using drones to prevent safety accidents when inspecting 2,632 communication towers over 20 meters tall nationwide. Previously, workers had to climb to the top to check for aging, but now drones circle the tower first and take photographs. These inspections are conducted every three years.

An SK Telecom employee is demonstrating drone-based inspection of aging communication towers. Photo by Kyungjo Noh

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Han Jiil, head of SK Telecom's Safety and Health Competency and Culture Team, explained, "AI analyzes the photos to accurately detect loosened bolts or corrosion. We are also developing technology to identify structural deformations, such as misalignment caused by natural disasters like storms or earthquakes." He added, "By using AI and drones, the inspection period can be shortened by 60% compared to manual inspections, and the image analysis time by 85%, which boosts work productivity and reduces risk."

The augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences also stood out. Participants can feel the necessity of safety equipment firsthand by experiencing scenarios such as hot air blasting out from a confined manhole space due to gas leakage, or slipping and falling while working on a tall communication tower. Han further said, "When actually working in manholes, we measure oxygen and hazardous gas concentrations in advance to prevent suffocation accidents and check for proper use of protective gear. Because it is difficult to visually inspect the environment below the manhole, we are applying remote monitoring solutions."

Other features include a blackout area to learn fire evacuation procedures and a practice space where participants use a descent device to evacuate. Han explained that workers are also trained in first aid, including CPR and the use of defibrillators, so they can provide immediate assistance and secure the golden hour if a medical emergency occurs on site.

A reporter is experiencing work on a tall communication tower through virtual reality (VR). Photo by Kyungjo Roh

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This year, SK Telecom established a Safety and Health Assessment Team under the Safety and Health Office to conduct more detailed inspections at sites nationwide. In the future, the company also plans to introduce a system in which AI analyzes data and process information to assess risks. Additionally, an automated system will be built to verify the adequacy of supporting documents using AI when carrying out legal safety management processes. Choi Hoonwon, Head of SK Telecom's Safety and Health Office, stated, "We will apply the zero trust principle not only to security but also to safety and health, creating an environment where workers can work safely and healthily."

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