Purpose Despite ongoing safety efforts, construction sites remain some of the most hazardous workplaces. This study introduces an innovative occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) training approach by creating a realistic virtual construction environment using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery and a game engine. Integrating OSHA regulations makes safety instructions more effective than traditional training. Design/methodology/approach The research employs UAV-derived photogrammetry to generate a 3D textured mesh model of an active construction site. This model is integrated into a game engine to develop an interactive, first-person simulation where users explore the site and receive safety instructions at hazard points. Validation was conducted through questionnaire surveys of 13 construction professionals and 25 undergraduate students. Findings The study shows that interactive game-based learning significantly improves trainees’ ability to identify and understand site-specific hazards. Survey responses from students and construction professionals indicated that the game is more effective in teaching safety protocols than traditional OSHA 30 training. Practical implications The study demonstrates that integrating UAV photogrammetry with game engines enhances construction safety training by improving hazard recognition and knowledge retention. Survey results show higher effectiveness than traditional training. This approach enables realistic, site-specific safety instruction, supporting OSHA compliance and reducing accidents through interactive, immersive learning. Originality/value This research enhances safety training by integrating high-fidelity 3D models from UAV photogrammetry with a game engine to develop an interactive learning platform. Unlike traditional methods with generic simulations, this approach reflects the specific conditions and hazards of active construction sites, offering tailored safety instructions.