AR and VR Technology Transforming Workplace Safety Training
To date, the traditional workplace safety training methods which included written manuals, static presentations and in-person demonstrations to teach essential safety procedures lacked certain aspects. Employees were not as engaged by these conventional approaches even though they were somewhat effective. This is where the need of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) develops innovative tools that are revolutionizing the safety training world. Statistics highlight that 23 million jobs globally are positively impacted, fostering innovation through this technology.
Statista projects through one of its reports that by 2028, the global AR/VR and mixed reality market will reach $250 billion, underlining the transformational power of this technology in workplace training.
Employees not only learn practical skills in controlled and safe settings but also enhance their knowledge. This article will explain in depth how this progressive technology works, its benefits, and how top sectors globally use it to boost workplace safety.
AR/VR technologies help users to interact with real-life scenarios. Both AR and VR have distinct components and mechanisms of functioning.
Virtual Reality (VR)
A completely immersive, computer-generated environment that users can interact with is created by virtual reality simply using the VR headset. VR has the following core components:
- Headset: Headsets conceal the outside world and put on view the virtual environment. Various sensors, such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, are attached to the headsets and are used to track the user’s head movements. They allow for a responsive experience as the users explore virtual space and move around.
- Controllers: Users can interact with the virtual environment through these handheld devices- the controllers- allowing actions such as picking up objects or steering through space.
- Software: The computer graphics shown by virtual reality are generated by software that develops realistic simulations. This software crafts engaging scenarios for the users, such as workplace safety.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR overlays the digital transformation onto the user’s environment, which is mainly connected through smartphones or AR glasses. AR’s basic components include:
- Camera: It captures the user’s surroundings, letting the AR system recognize and track the real-world features.
- Computer Vision: The captured images are analysed to identify the objects by computer vision. It also identifies the spatial relationships and patterns and accurately places the digital elements in the user’s view.
- Display: Smartphones, smart glasses, and tablets all render AR content, offering the smooth integration of virtual objects into the real world.
- Sensors: Gyroscopes and accelerometers also track the user’s movements, just like VR. Their job is to ensure that digital overlays stay aligned with the physical environment.
Advanced technologies are utilized in AR/VR to develop experiences to boost the learning and training of users. With the technological evolution of AR/VR, both are increasingly transforming the safety industries.
Enhancing Workplace Safety Training Effectiveness
Compared to traditional training methods, AR and VR are more effective if integrated into workplace safety & compliance training. The following are some of the perks of using this technology to train your staff:
- Interactive and Immersive Learning Experiences: Employees can practice the safety protocols in realistic, interactive, and virtual environments. AR/VR training is a hands-on approach that helps employees better memorize knowledge compared to passive training, such as manuals and videos.
- Risk-Free Skill Practice: AR/VR technology allows employees to learn and practice in risk-free virtual settings without risking their lives. Employees can practice repeatedly until they have honed the skills required for optimal job performance.
- Custom Training for Particular Hazards: The AR/VR training content can be personalized according to the hazards and procedures related to the workplace. This is a more targeted approach and is quite helpful for employees than generic safety training. HAZWOPER OSHA TRAINING LLC is offering the next generation of industrial safety via AR/VR. They develop customized solutions to cater to the needs of individual clients. Visit their website and check out demo samples of AR/VR training programs and get it customized for your company’s safety needs.
- Instantaneous Hazard Alerts: AR/VR can instantly identify and add digital safety warnings in the real-world workplace, even for hidden hazards. The workers can stay alert to potential hazards due to this extra layer of awareness.
- Better Collaboration and Communication: Workers can collaborate with each other to share information and guidance remotely due to AR/VR technology in the actual moment. This further improves the overall safety of communication.
- Cost Savings: Companies can save money in the long-term by using AR/VR training, although the initial setup costs can be higher. Reduced accidents, incidents, and the need for in-person training needs, all are expensive.
Workplace training can become more customized, engaging, and effective, all thanks to these immersive AR and VR technologies. AR/VR technology is advancing continuously and will become the top safety training method to reduce workplace incidents and fatalities.
Sectors Successfully Implementing the AR/VR Technology to Enhance Workplace Safety
Many sectors are effectively using AR/VR technology to boost operational efficiency and strengthen workplace safety. These key sectors have successfully embraced this technology:
- HealthCare: The healthcare sector is using VR technology to train surgeons for surgeries, allowing medical professionals to practice in a risk-free environment. Surgeons can hone their skills and conviction before performing the actual surgeries. In addition, AR overlays critical information during procedures, improving accuracy and patient outcomes.
- Education and Training: Immersive learning experiences are in hype now as educational institutions and corporate training programs are using AR/VR for training programs. In high-risk industries and training institutes, employees practice safety procedures in controlled settings using AR/VR technology. Not only do employees learn better through this technology, but safety awareness also improves significantly among trainees.
- Manufacturing and Industrial Safety: The manufacturing sector, especially oil and gas, uses AR/VR to train their employees regarding simulations and real-time hazard alerts. In the high-pressure drilling environment, VR allows for the safe practice of sound control and blowout prevention techniques. AR/VR also simulates high-risk situations such as fire and equipment failure, allowing safe practice. Users learn to identify possible hazards in different circumstances. and how to safely operate complex machinery such as drilling rigs and cranes.
Lastly, apart from safety practices, AR/VR also measures the performance of users to determine the skill gap and tweak the training methods. These AR/VR implementations among differing sectors highlight their unmatched potential, making them the new essential tools for amplifying workplace safety, operational efficiency, productivity, and employee engagement.
Prepare your Team for any Hazard
With the recent advancements in the field of workplace safety, AR/VR technology is a breeze of innovation. AR/VR is already playing a massive role in reducing accidents and enhancing workers’ workplace safety skills across industries. To ensure well-rounded and effective safety training, it is better to complement the AR/VR technology with traditional training methods.
HAZWOPER OSHA TRAINING is offering workplace safety courses in flexible formats like online, onsite, virtual instructor-led, and SCORM along with custom AR/VR training to cater to the needs of diverse industries and businesses. Join these trainings today and see how these immersive tools will prepare your team for any hazard.
