Simulation based e-learning in general & virtual reality safety training in specific seems to be the next big thing in this era of modern technology, where everything is just a mouse click away.
Started from mere games, virtual reality is now on the verge of becoming the next common training tool. Since it not only saves time and money but also provides more effective and more real training environments for everyone to experience.
Why is Virtual Reality Safety Training Important in Industrial Workplaces?
If you are someone who has attended mandatory safety training sessions, you must be aware of all the exercises, long boring videos, which by the way, no one cares to watch. There must be a number of people taking naps in between the sessions and there are some who don’t even think they are important.
In mining and construction industries there are more safety hazards than any other work site. Industrial safety of employees becomes a major concern for these kind of working sites. With a workforce of more than 500 people, it is almost impossible to train all of them. Hence these kind of training sessions were only limited to some exercises and videos. These traditional methods to teach employees the risks at workplace were often less than effective since these methods only involve telling people how to avoid or deal with such situations, not actually letting experience these kind of situations.
Hence, virtual reality safety training is the life savior for all those who are more into experiential learning. Now let’s have a look at why should virtual reality safety training be applied in all industries for disaster management.
1. Learning through Experience is Always Better
For physical or crisis management activities, experiential learning is always a better mode of transmitting knowledge since it not only prepares employees for the worst but also makes them capable of taking decisions in such kind of situations. Virtual reality training is similar to flight simulators for pilots and battlefields for military, only importance of educating common people has been realized just now.
2. VR Training is 6x Faster than Theoretical Training
VR software for safety training like other VR software, keeps track and record of employee’s performance. Based on that data, the training can be accelerated, or taken to higher levels. This is applicable to slow learners as well. But keeping in mind the fact that they are actually learning something, makes VR worth a try. Besides, it’s still better than attending lengthy sessions and talks on safety training.
3. Realistic Projections are Possible to Create
With organization-wide statistics, VR safety training simulations can create realistic projections, and can cover situations that are that are sometimes too expensive or too dangerous to be conducted on site. Hence, employees can be trained for almost all kinds of scenarios which would help them to tackle any situation so that any serious accidents can be avoided in the future.
4. Virtual Reality is the New Cool for the Millennial Generation
Since most of the industries have employees of younger ages, it is more appropriate to use the technology, they feel most familiar with. Most of the companies are even using VR programs as an advertisement factor to attract top talent. With as much as 73% of Millennials expressing their interest in VR, it almost becomes natural to bring VR technologies to industries and workplaces.
Most Popular Virtual Reality Safety Training Software
1. XVR by E-semble
XVR, safety training simulation based software by e-semble is an all-in-one for the companies who are looking for crisis media simulator, facility management safety and security training, and command, control and communication skills training. With an extensive library of interactive 3D objects, instructors can create virtual reality threats and incident scenarios. With XVR you have the option of either using already available 3D environments or you can use custom-made 3D environment of your own building. XVR has both the single and multi-agency training modes available for the training of fire and rescue, ambulance and police services and other similar high risk area security services. For more information about XVR…
2. SphereVision by Arithmetica
This new app has hit the market just now and is doing pretty amazing. SphereVision is able to create a fully functional 3D simulation of a hazardous working environment using SphereVision 360 degree video recording and production system. The app comes with a 360 degree video of coal fired power station, which can be delivered through specially designed presentation software, SphereVision presenter.
3. SANTIENT Computing
The app is particularly designed to create a virtual reality compatible 3D model of High Voltage Switching, that can not only guide the trainee through the switching procedure of a 22KV switch but will also educate them with the equipment safety considerations. The application is integrated with Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. Santient is controlled via Razor Hydra motion in order to create most immersive experience possible.
4. Advance Disaster Management System-ADMS
One of the oldest safety training software, introduced in 1992, ADMS is designed to train incident commanders, first responders and the team in real time 3D interactive environment. ADMS develops its environment in either geo-typical or geo-specific environments, i.e. it creates 3D models of specified locations, with minute detailing. ADMS-COMMAND, ADMS-DRIVE are some of its common apps.
Why Should you Bring VR Safety Training to Your Workplace Right Away?
Because virtual reality safety training can actually prepare your employees to face any disaster at the site. You might also want to update your workplace and your employees with the modern training tools. Besides, if you are not preparing your employees for the worst case scenarios in the virtual reality, you might be exposing them to a hazardous environment in actual reality.
