Training. In so many industries it is an essential part of health and safety programs necessary to be compliant with applicable regulations. But, training can be expensive and time-consuming. Enter the world of virtual reality training. This new option is not meant to replace conventional hands-on training or instruction by in-person trainers, but it can be a beneficial tool used to supplement traditional forms of training.
Imagine being able to practice how to conduct a proper harness inspection so you can work at height knowing your equipment is safe to use. A virtual reality simulator is a hands-on experience that allows you to focus and retain details that are important for knowing how to thoroughly inspect your harness.
For instance, you can brush up on inspecting the hardware components of a full body harness for proper working order, including buckles, straps, etc. On your own schedule, you can learn how to visually inspect webbing, including being able to identify frays, cuts, tears, burns, holes and any other damage that can compromise the harness’s integrity and ability to serve its purpose. Then, based on your findings, you will learn when to take the harness out of service, if necessary.
Set in a realistic environment, these randomly generated tests can be used to practice and improve important inspection skills. A learning record can help bring you peace of mind since all the results are recorded and available whenever you need them.
Just think, you can also use this technology so workers can practice being at height without exposing them to the risks of actually being 20 stories up to get them into the habit of properly anchoring or making sure they know how to secure their tools to prevent dropped object injuries.
The Many Benefits of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality provides the opportunity to have workers practice safety procedures and processes in familiar environments through immersive technology. This also creates new worlds of possibilities for companies in all types of industries from construction to heavy manufacturing, mining or even food and beverage production, to use virtual reality training as a way to help prepare people for real-life scenarios.
VR scenarios and modules can be built to mimic real-life situations
Virtual reality can be used to create interactive scenarios similar to real-life situations. This immersive training can include simulating the way personal protective equipment works and how it should be used.
Complex situations can sometimes be simplified, which can help lead to increased focus
Complex situations and processes can be recreated through VR allowing employees to practice situations in a simulated environment. For instance, employees can practice welding without the risk of burn injuries or other injuries.
Suitable for many different learning styles
All types of people in all types of industries work in environments that present all types of hazards. People also have different learning styles. Whether workers are visual, aural, verbal, or physical learners, virtual reality training takes a variety of learning styles into account.
VR can encourage companies to review important safety topics
Using VR provides an opportunity to enhance training, adding value to the employee experience and improving an employer’s ability to reinforce key safety points.
Helps training be more enjoyable and engaging
Many workers complain that boring training, no matter how important, is a barrier to their learning. Virtual reality presents an opportunity to learn in an immersive, different type of environment that is still recognized as a newer technology that may help capture and hold their interest.
Assists in improving retention and recall
Since it is an immersive experience and different from conventional classroom-based training, VR lends itself to help increase retention levels of the information delivered during training sessions.
It can reveal opportunities for improvement
VR can be a great opportunity to shape training modules based on specific industry needs. Workers can help contribute valuable insight to provide a full range of new scenarios to build into the curriculum.
It can also offer new efficiencies
VR can help employers deliver efficiencies and improve their training processes. Now, with training occurring virtually, without having to go to a training center, workers can apply what they have learned to their worksite immediately after training has finished.
This video demonstrates a virtual reality experience of our 3M harness inspection.