How the Mining industry is using VR for training

The mining industry is notorious for risks. It brings together heavy machinery, toxic substances and confined spaces, which can all spell a recipe for disaster if not approached safely. If employees aren’t trained properly in the navigation of the site and the use of equipment, the consequences could be serious and even fatal. VR mining training is becoming more accessible, giving employees the opportunity to hone their skills in a realistic simulated environment before entering the worksite. We take a closer look at VR and how it can be applied to mine safety training.

Safety training for mine employees is a crucial yet challenging undertaking. It’s not easy to replicate the sort of emergencies a mine employee might meet when working with dangerous machinery, equipment and substances. If an employee reacts to a difficult or dangerous situation without proper procedures, the results could be hazardous and even deadly. VR mine training allows trainers to place students within virtual environments in which they can test their reactive skills, practice crucial emergency procedures, and gain confidence to navigate the hazards on site.

VR training allows trainees to practice techniques and processes over again. Unlike in real training and work environments, mistakes can be costly and lead to negative consequences. When training moves to VR, employees can retake parts of the program as often as they need, developing the skills and knowledge required to handle difficult tasks and procedures, and becoming more effective workers in the long run.

Training in real-life spaces makes tracking data almost impossible. Whether it’s unreliable connectivity or WiFi, or the need for the instructor to focus on safe trainee practices, there’s little room for analysing trainee performance and competency. With VR, the large amounts of data produced allow trainers to see where employees might be struggling and where they need to place more focus and time. As a result, trainees receive closer guidance and support from their trainers, which helps them develop into confident workers aware of their skills and areas for development.

So how can you apply VR training to your mine site? Training can involve open simulation depicting situational hazards, which helps employees and trainees feel that they’re truly at work on the mine site and prepare themselves for the hazards they might find on the job. These simulated sites incorporate visuals, sounds, and interactive elements which engage a trainee’s senses. Training platforms allow this technology to be edited and easily deployed in accordance with changing safety standards. Trainees can freely roam the space and go through safe decision-making strategies when faced with obstacles. Thanks to the flexible feedback VR offers, a trainer can provide instant support if a trainee misses a hazard or fails to act safely. There are clearly great benefits to using VR in such a high-risk environment as mining. Trainees can freely practice their skills over and over, ensuring they’re job-ready when it finally comes time to enter the field.

Summary: How can VR training  be used by the mining industry?

VR mining training provides a realistic and safe environment for employees to practice skills and emergency procedures.

Trainees can repeat VR training exercises as often as needed, developing their competence and effectiveness.

VR allows for extensive data tracking, enabling trainers to identify areas for improvement and provide closer guidance to trainees.

Open simulations in VR depict situational hazards, preparing employees for real-life challenges they may encounter on the mine site.

VR training offers flexible feedback, allowing instant support and correction to enhance safety and skill development in the high-risk mining industry.

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