How AR/VR Training Empowers Your Construction Workforce and Reduces Risk?

Introduction:

In 2023, more than 5000 construction workers died in the USA due to workplace incidents. The top cause of death among the construction workers is falls from heights. All these deaths were preventable, given the rigorous and innovative safety solutions we have available for the workers in the present times. One such innovative workplace safety solution is the use of AR/VR training for workplace safety. This lifesaver technology has grown to $9,087.2 billion from 2018-2023, showcasing a 40.1% CAGR. Businesses are utilizing AR/VR training for their workers to teach them about possible hazards and also equip them to tackle these hazards safely. Backed by studies, AR/VR has been proven to have better knowledge retention and more practical applications than traditional methods. This blog post will explain in detail why AR/VR training is necessary for workplace safety training to produce a more skilled workforce.

Can AR/VR Be the Solution for Construction Hazards?

Globally, the construction industry is the most hazardous, as thousands of workers die each year due to accidents and injuries. Despite traditional safety methods in place, the construction industry is responsible for 25% of fatalities of workers. This is where the need for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) comes into play, which trains workers without risking their lives.

The Present State of the Construction Safety

The most lethal and persistent hazards in the construction industry are termed the "Fatal Four," which are electrocutions, falls, caught-in or between accidents, and struck-by accidents. These 4 hazards cause most fatalities related to construction, with 169,600 accidents caused by the non-fatal incidents.

The Economic Impact of Construction Accidents

In the U.S. alone, construction accidents cause a major financial toll leading to a loss of around $5 billion/year for fatal injuries alone. Contractors get additional financial burden as each violation averages around $4,236 cited by OSHA. All these costs reflect the urgent need for implementing solid safety measures to cut down on these workplace accidents.

The Role of AR/VR in Addressing Construction Hazards

Workers can practice in simulated environments, all thanks to AR/VR technology, as VR training simulates fall hazards, allowing workers to practice safely. Similarly, other hazards, such as those struck by heavy machines or objects and electrocutions, can be replicated without putting the workers in actual danger and refining the worker's preparedness to tackle these hazards. Virtual Reality based construction sites can be used to teach workers how to conduct hazard identification and respond accordingly.

Key Benefits of AR/VR Training for Construction Teams

AR/VR training makes safety training more accessible, engaging, and immersive, letting workers stay one step ahead of the hazards while working on the job confidently. Following is some of the benefits of using AR/VR training for construction workers:

Immersive Training Experience

AR/VR safety training is immersive and replicates real-world scenarios, allowing workers to exercise safety procedures in a controlled environment. This practical hands-on training is comparatively more effective than traditional safety training methods, backed by an actual study, 82 construction workers who received VR-based training had better performance as compared to those who received traditional training, highlighting the potential of VR for better trained professionals.

Real-World Training Without Getting into Hazards

With AR/VR training, workers can get practical hands-on experience without any actual hazards and dangers. With hands-on training for scenarios such as handling chemical spills and responding to sudden fires, workers will be more confident in their skills and will be able to retain the training.

Turning Training into Muscle Memory

Learning is effective only when cerebral memory ties in with muscle memory, which AR/VR training provides compared to conventional safety training type that is just theory based. Employees can practice the correct SOPs for real-life dangers while practicing with AR/VR training. The continuous practice and immersive experience further solidify their concepts and actions, turning the training into their instincts. This muscle memory is the skill that is a lifesaver in hazardous situations.

Cost-Effective and Accessible

Traditional training methods have their fair share of cons, such as training equipment costs, areas to stimulate hazards, and added costs. AR/VR surpasses these issues as it provides a virtual and safe environment with no additional equipment costs. Not only this, but workers can access it from anywhere, regardless of their time zones, experience, and locality, to get high-quality training. To understand further the future impact of AR/VR on industrial safety, read our detailed blog here.

How to Implement AR/VR Training for Worker's Safety in the Construction Industry?

Follow these steps to start this initiative:

Contact a Reliable AR/VR Training Provider

Research and find a reputable AR/VR Safety training provider or facility. Try to go for one that creates custom training solutions for construction industry employees. The transition from traditional safety training methods to AR/VR training methods is even smoother at HAZWOPER OHSA Training. We offer custom AR/VR Safety Training Solutions that match your particular safety needs. By creating personalized AR/VR modules and the opportunity to integrate these learning modules into your setup, we help you train your team smartly and smoothly. So why wait, contact us today and explore how our AR/VR training can level up your safety training programs.

Evaluate the Equipment Requirements

While consulting with AR/VR training providers, ask about additional equipment required to integrate the training. The extra equipment normally includes a VR headset, AR glasses, compatible software, and hardware. Also, ensure that the tools can be smoothly integrated within your current workplace setup.

Incorporate with the Existing Protocols

Integrate AR/VR training with traditional learning methods to increase knowledge retention for learners.

Assess the Effectiveness of Training

Calculate and track the primary metrics, such as workers' hazard recognition ability, response times, and overall performance, to see how advantageous AR/VR training is in improving safety awareness. Make adjustments to the shortcomings for ongoing improvements.

The Wrap Up

The Construction industry's future can become incident-proof with the integration of AR/VR Safety Training. AR/VR training is now necessary for industries that value the lives of their employees. This cutting-edge technology can help construction companies refine their safety protocols and equip their teams to tackle the most notorious hazards. Investment in AR/VR solutions is a major step to fostering safer construction sites.

References:

Sliced Bread Animation Limited, 10 Benefits of VR in Construction Safety Training, https://sbanimation.com/10-benefits-of-vr-in-construction-safety-training/

Contimod, November 6, 2024, 35+ Construction Safety Statistics & Injury Numbers (2024), https://www.contimod.com/construction-safety-statistics/