Client: One of the largest integrated petrochemical companies.

The Challenge: Creating an animated safety induction and site orientation video for plant visitors. The client needed to upgrade their outdated materials with engaging workplace safety videos that visitors would actually pay attention to.

We explored multiple visual approaches with the client, including various live-action options (you can read a detailed breakdown of these in our article).

Ultimately, we decided on 2D animation. The client loved another project of ours in this style, with one key difference: this safety video didn't require such high-paced, rapid dynamics, and the color palette had to strictly adhere to their corporate brand book.

1. Scripting & Compliance‍

First and foremost, we finalized the script. We thoroughly reviewed OSHA guidelines and structured the video around five critical elements that must always be covered in safety orientations:

• Hazard identification
• Work procedures
• Special precautions
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Emergency action plans
  

The final script covered everything from general hazards to specific protocols often found in fall protection videos. We structured the script so that it could also be broken down into short safety clips for use during daily briefings or digital onboarding.

2. Visual Asset Approval

The second crucial step was approving the core visual elements:

• Safety signs and icons
• Characters
• Key locations
  

We took a few sections of the script and custom-illustrated these assets. This allowed us to lock in the visual style and ensure exact color-matching with the client's brand guidelines before diving into full production.

‍3. Location Design‍

The next approval phase focused on the overall look of the main locations. It was important for us to give viewers a clear understanding of where the character was, without getting bogged down in overly technical details or hyper-realistic renderings of the facility.

We created concept illustrations for each key setting: inside the plant, outside the plant, as well as top-down and profile views.

‍4. The Animation Process

Once these key illustrations were approved, we moved into the animation phase.

To prevent a standard safety video from feeling visually dry, we used a technique of slight exaggeration (hyperbolization) in two interesting ways:

1. We added a looping animation to the background pipes to simulate the flow of liquid.
2. We added a subtle vibrating effect to certain plant machinery.
   

Yes, in reality, pipes don't visibly bulge as liquid flows through them, and industrial equipment is highly stable. But this slight exaggeration added visual dynamics to the frame, keeping the viewer engaged while the crucial safety information was delivered smoothly and methodically.

We also put extra effort into character movements. Since this was a relatively flat 2D animation style, we were somewhat limited in how we could portray a character being intoxicated or getting injured. However, through proper character rigging and nuanced motion animation, we managed to convey these states effectively.

‍The Team Breakdown

The project involved two animators. A Senior Motion Designer handled the complex scenes with characters moving through the plant, while a Junior Motion Designer took care of the "slide-show" style scenes that only required text animation and a few icons.

Finally, our video editor assembled all the animated scenes into a cohesive flow and synced them perfectly with the voiceover.

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Literally a month after the video was released, colleagues from one of the client's subsidiaries reached out with a similar request. Even though the core message remained the same, we had to rework a lot: we recolored the entire video to match the subsidiary's branding and created about 50% new scenes, as the safety protocols at the new facility were different.

"If you are looking for a reliable safety video production company, Lava Media has the expertise to translate complex regulations into clear, engaging animation. Our team would be thrilled to bring it to life—whether through custom 2D animation or cutting-edge AI technologies.

(By the way, check out how we filmed our live-action video series on PPE).

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