## 4 Results and Discussions
### Applications in Occupational Health and Safety in Manufacturing
#### 4.2.2 Safety Simulations and Incident Management  
Advanced emerging technologies are transforming safety simulations and incident management in manufacturing, shifting the focus from reactive responses to proactive preparation and real-time interventions. Table 7 provides an overview of these emerging technologies, highlighting their key applications and benefits in manufacturing environments. At the core of this transformation are DTs and simulation platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine, which enable the creation of virtual replicas of physical systems and processes. These technologies are applied across various domains, including real-time DTs,  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l l l l} \hline \hline
**Technology** & **Key Applications** & **Benefits** & **References** \\ \hline \hline \multirow{6}{*}{DTs} & \multicolumn{3}{c}{Proactive risk mitigation and incident} \\  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{preparedness:} \\  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{} \\  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{} \\  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{} \\ DTs & \multicolumn{3}{c}{} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{} \\  & \multicolumn{3}{cvirtual simulation platforms, and DT-powered HRC systems, to support proactive risk mitigation and incident preparedness. These tools enable dynamic risk assessment, fault prediction for machinery and production systems, and virtual development and validation of safe HRC assembly processes. By simulating human ergonomics in diverse scenarios, such as confined spaces or collaborative robot environments, DTs support informed safety decision-making and reduce the need for human presence in hazardous areas during system planning and design [9; 18]. This virtual testing environment allows for the safe optimization of procedures, significantly enhancing operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and preventing both system and human errors [3; 76]. Furthermore, DTs contribute to worker well-being by identifying ergonomic risks and enabling the evaluation of HRC scenarios, ultimately leading to improved safety, reduced physical strain, and greater resilience in hybrid workspaces. AI and big data analytics complement DTs by enabling real-time incident detection, prediction, and automated responses [7; 11; 16; 17; 76]. These technologies leverage AI-equipped sensors, smart surveillance systems, and predictive algorithms to monitor production environments for safety violations, predict equipment malfunctions, and ensure compliance with PPE protocols. In addition, AI-powered simulations and virtual models analyze large volumes of data to generate preventive insights for CPS, thereby enhancing safety standards and enabling proactive management strategies. Applications include intelligent risk assessment, automated hazard identification, and real-time alerts for safety violations in hazardous zones. The integration of these tools leads to enhanced hazard monitoring, automated incident prevention, proactive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making in safety management. Ultimately, this reduces human error, improves compliance with safety protocols, and strengthens the overall workplace safety. Immersive Technologies, including VR, AR, and XR, play a pivotal role in enhancing safety training and real-time operational support. These technologies offer realistic simulations of emergency scenarios, allowing workers to practice responses in risk-free virtual environments, thereby improving their decision-making and preparedness. For example, VR simulators are widely used for training in hazardous scenarios, improving decision-making, and evaluating emergency responses without real-world risks [45; 67]. VR simulators are widely used to train employees for hazardous situations, while AR enhances situational awareness by overlaying critical safety information, such as warnings on malfunctioning equipment or robot paths, directly onto the worker's field of view [6; 7; 31; 37; 60]. Similarly, XR technologies provide cost-effective training for high-risk tasks and support real-time hazard identification.