TSMC actively promotes a people-oriented culture, collaborating with its supply chain to create safe working environments. In response to capacity expansion and to enhance the safety awareness and operational safety of contractors involved in the construction of wafer fabs, TSMC has partnered with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to develop a mobile smart occupational safety training classroom. This initiative integrates commonly used heavy machinery at construction sites with the actual environment of new construction zones and employs Virtual Reality (VR) technology to create three modular training courses: site operation, occupational hazard experience, and certification practice. Through realistic interactive processes, contractor partners can implement correct operational methods, thereby reducing the risk of occupational accidents. The training classroom, composed of two 20-foot shipping containers, can be relocated and deployed as needed to meet construction demands, enhancing the effectiveness of safety training. Following the launch of the pilot program at Fab 20 and Fab 22 in August 2024, the average deficiency rate for powered machinery operations—including forklifts, aerial work platforms, and mobile cranes—run by contractor partners decreased by 76% by January 2025. Additionally, 80% of the training participants reported that the program was practically beneficial for their work, enhancing occupational safety management within the supply chain through digital transformation.

Virtual Reality Hazard Training Enhances Construction Site Safety

TSMC is committed to achieving a goal of zero safety incidents. An analysis of recent occupational hazards at new construction sites in Taiwan’s Hsinchu, Taichung, and Tainan revealed that forklifts, aerial work platforms, and mobile cranes are high-risk equipment, with many incidents stemming from unsafe behaviors. To address these risks, TSMC introduced VR technology developed by the ITRI in 2024. The hardware includes a realistic cockpit and an immersive curved screen to provide a lifelike operational experience. The software is designed with three training modules for powered machinery: site operation, occupational hazard experience, and certification practice, along with various roles. Contractors can autonomously choose different training modes and switch roles according to the tasks within each mode, allowing them to fully experience the complete operational process, understand key operational points, and enhance learning effectiveness. In addition to traditional written communication, the introduction of VR technology enables contractor partners to engage in interactive experiences that deepen their understanding of safety awareness, thereby promoting the establishment and enhancement of a safety culture.

Contractors are crucial partners in TSMC’s plant construction process. In addition to evaluating and updating VR training scenarios, TSMC continuously collects and analyzes common operational blind spots where trainees are prone to making errors. This information is then incorporated into future safety promotion and supervision priorities. By collaborating closely with contractors, TSMC aims to reduce operational risks and fulfill the commitments outlined in its Safety and Health Policy.