Integrating Virtual Reality into IOSH Safety Training

Abstract

The construction industry has high rate of accidents and poor safety records around the world. In addition to the injuries and fatalities, accidents affect both time and cost of the projects, thereby leading to time delays and additional costs. Previous research studies indicate that poor training contributes to the majority of accidents in the construction sector. Traditional training methods are inefficient in inducing the desired learning outcomes due to the passivity of knowledge receivers. Accordingly, new experimental and proactive learning approaches have emerged, out of which the safest and most ethical is the virtual reality (VR) construction safety training. VR safety training enables users to simulate reality in 360 degrees at the full visual capacity and to react accordingly improving understanding and critical response to stimuli. The research stream in this area is still relatively not fully explored, and previous work mainly focuses on semi-immersive VR technologies. The goal of this research is to develop and test a fully immersive and interactive VR model for safety training in accordance with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The focus is on advancing hazard recognition and mitigation “skills” rather than just providing “information”. The VR model was developed and deployed using state-of-the-art technologies, with a focus on falls, struck-by, slips, and general site safety. A testing phase was then initiated throughout interviewing professional safety inspectors to validate the model capabilities and to give their insight into approaches for further development. After that, the model was tested on senior university construction engineering students, and their performance was compared to students who didn’t take the VR training. Interviews indicated that the developed model would be of great importance for entry level workers and for general safety inductions; in addition, it can be more developed to target professionals on training centers. Experimental testing indicated statistical significance in the effectiveness of the developed model in enhancing students’ understanding and visualization. In addition, when compared to other available VR models, the developed model performed better in terms of visualization, immersion, realism, and ability to enhance the desired hazard identification and mitigation skills.