Safety training in Saskatchewan could soon be moving from the classroom to virtual reality (VR).
The Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) recently unveiled the Hazard ID VR training tool, the first of its kind for the province.
“We wanted to have modern tools that would engage young people and new workers in a way that traditional training methods don’t really touch on,” said Collin Pullar, president of the SCSA.
The training platform, which is formatted like a game, took a year to build and required filming high-resolution footage with 360 degree cameras of Saskatchewan jobsites.
To play, users wear an Oculus Rift gaming headset that puts them on a jobsite and tasks them with identifying hazards with a laser pointer and then quizzes them on how to mitigate the risk.
“Users get a chance to see a premonition of what it’s like to be on any other construction site and go through dangerous scenarios without actually being in danger,” said Pullar. “For those new to work, or taking classroom training, it really brings the experience alive for them.”
Pullar also noted that the association is eager to take advantage of the technology because research is starting to confirm its benefits as a learning tool.
According to the SCSA, VR users learn information 23 per cent faster and retain information over 1,000 per cent better. The association is also eager to appeal to younger workers, who make up 25 per cent of Workers Compensation Board injury claims. In addition, the VR training removes the challenge some workers may have with English.
According to Pullar, who is currently touring the province with the VR program at schools, it could be another tool to attract young people to an industry in dire need of new talent.
“This tech goes hand in hand with Bluebeam, drones, computer assisted drawing and is consistent with tech that is emerging right now, and really attractive to young people,” he said. “Our organization is really about supporting and facilitating growth of the industry. This gives an opportunity for people to look at the industry in a whole new way.”
The first module the association developed takes the user to a residential site where they move to various locations, identifying hazards.
Pullar said residential safety training was a priority as that is where the most injuries occur. But in the future the association plans to expand the tool to include more sites.
Although the program is still new, the association believes in the future it could be used by shop classes, companies and training institutions as a training tool in addition to the SCSA’s own training programs.
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