Workplace safety is a crucial issue, especially within the mining industry. Mines see many workers injured in accidents, and some even dying as a result of unsafe conditions or unfortunate incidents. At the heart of these devastating consequences is often insufficient training, particularly in the area of confined spaces. Hands-on training and safety education in enclosed spaces is valuable, yet it offers limited real-life opportunities for learning and does not leave a significant impact on workers striving to navigate these difficult environments.
VR training has seen great development as an outstanding tool for quality information retention, controlled and measurable practical experiences, improved employee confidence and morale, and safe navigation of simulated environments without the risk of injury. With its application across a range of industries, VR education proves to be a helpful tool in upskilling students and trainees, ensuring they retain important information, providing them with hands-on, interactive and realistic simulations, and measuring their progress through effective data retention and tracking.
VR safety training is particularly beneficial for enclosed workspaces, such as those found within mine sites. It allows trainee workers to navigate these tight spaces and practice their techniques and training in realistic conditions without the risks. Workers are prepared for entry into enclosed spaces, and simulations offer all the strategic information they need to act with appropriate caution and care, such as attention to gas management, personal protective equipment, and emergency training procedures. With the use of a VR headset and controller, mine workers can be quickly immersed into a realistic virtual environment. Trainees can practice repeatedly within a controlled and safe environment, confident they will master skills without any risk to surrounding employees or to themselves.
Simulated VR training might begin outside of the confined area, with the trainee encouraged to select the appropriate equipment for eliminating hazards before they enter the space. This also includes making sure they have an operational meter, ladder, radio and air blower, and checking the permit status to enter the space. A crucial element of training is making sure the trainee knows how to use the meter – this involves calibration and dropping the probe into the confined area. Once the meter check is complete, the learner conducts OSHA safety checks to make sure there are no hazards, they will set up the ladder and enter the hole once a safety backup, or “hole watch”, has arrived. Training also explores rescuing a down worker, with trainees using their radio to perform a rescue.
There are great benefits to VR training in enclosed spaces. The trainee will learn proper procedures for entering confined areas, will select the appropriate gear and recognise and assess hazards, will learn how to call for assistance, and will understand the equipment available to them and its use for identifying risks within a space. Training also facilitates proper space entry and appropriate procedures for a confined space rescue. VR education for confined spaces enhances the training experience and ensures students learn as much as they can before they enter real-life environments.
Summary: How can VR be used for working in enclosed spaces?
In the mining industry, workplace safety concerns persist, with accidents and fatalities occurring due to inadequate training in confined spaces. This highlights the pressing need for improved safety education.
VR training is emerging as a powerful tool in addressing these challenges. It enhances information retention, builds employee confidence, and simulates safe environments without exposing individuals to real-world risks.
Particularly advantageous for enclosed areas in industries like mining, VR safety training allows trainees to practice techniques and procedures in realistic yet safe conditions.
The scope of VR scenarios extends to cover equipment selection, hazard recognition, meter usage, safety protocols, and rescue procedures. This comprehensive approach enhances trainees’ proficiency and readiness.
In terms of learning and readiness, VR education equips workers with knowledge of proper procedures, hazard assessment, assistance protocols, and equipment utilization. This ensures effective training and preparation for real-world scenarios.
FAQs
Is VR training cost effective?
When it comes to training and education, virtual reality (VR) can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional classroom lectures. VR lets students experience a real-life scenario in a safe environment that’s not only more engaging but also more cost-efficient.
Is VR training good?
Virtual reality (VR) training is a great way to train employees. It can be used for training employees on how to use a specific piece of equipment or software, as well as teaching them how to perform their jobs in the real world. It’s also useful for educating employees on how to handle a new situation or scenario.
How virtual reality is used in training?
Virtual reality is used in training to simulate real-world situations. It can be used to train a variety of skills, from operating heavy machinery to flying an aeroplane. This is accomplished by using a headset that has built-in headphones, which allow the user to hear what’s going on around them. The headset also blocks out all other sounds.
How do you start virtual reality training?
The first step in virtual reality training is to decide what kind of experience you want to provide your employees with. Do you want them to have an immersive experience with 3D visuals? Do you want them to feel like they’re there? Or do you just want them to learn how different tools work?
What is virtual reality training?
Virtual reality (VR) training is a way to train employees using computer-generated environments that mimic real-world situations. These environments can be created with video game engines or 3D modelling software, and they can be used to simulate any number of scenarios.
