IMPROVING SAFETY TRAINING WITH AUGMENTED REALITY
Do you know every workplace environment has its safety hazards? A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) states that approximately 2 million people die every year due to work-related injuries, and occupational injuries represent 19 percent of total deaths. On a global scale, the financial loss related to these deaths is USD 3 trillion. While the financial loss is temporary and can be recovered, death incidents have a profound impact on the lives of many. Therefore, occupational safety is necessary to control risks and manage contingencies. The pandemic has also completely altered workplace dynamics, making employee safety a priority more than it ever was.
Training is integral to maintaining employee safety standards and preventing incidents. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 made on-site training a challenge. Fortunately, the latest technologies, such as AR, are here to facilitate employee safety training, specifically for field workers.
What is AR Safety Training?
Augmented reality (AR) combines the real and digital worlds, allowing users to have an immersive and engaging experience. Unlike traditional on-site training, augmented reality learning is exciting and engaging. It is one of the most efficient technologies to improve workplace safety by providing valuable information on the subject in real-time. AR safety training sessions can be delivered via a smartphone or tablet device. Dedicated devices, such as Realwear headsets, are also available to carry out hands-free AR safety training sessions.
How AR Training Improves Workplace Safety
Real-time Simulation
AR safety training is beneficial for field workers in the manufacturing or utility industry because they require technical training to perform on-field operations safely. The sessions allow employees to create simulations to practice and avoid mistakes when dealing with actual equipment or emergency situations.
Information Retention
AR safety training helps in information retention. Research studies show that AR training is more effective than traditional practices. People who learn via AR training are able to recall 80 percent of information even a year later. AR-based training is more immersive and engaging, as it allows employees to connect with experts and practice tasks in real-time.
On-going Process
Providing workplace safety training isn’t and shouldn’t be a one-time thing – it needs to be an ongoing process considering the changing dynamics and increasing complexity of technology and machines in the industrial sector. AR training sessions allow employers to conduct ongoing sessions to keep employees and field workers updated with precautions and safety standards. Employers can also add visual references for workers to picture the scenario better.
Benefits of AR Training for Employee Safety
- Results in greater engagement levels due to immersive experiences
- Structures an efficient workplace safety conduct
- Improves collaboration and connects remote teams
- Reduces training costs and is cheaper than traditional on-site training techniques
- Requires few resources and enables better information retention and recall
The bottom line is that the latest technologies lead the future, leading organizations to develop a better and more secure workplace. The application of these technologies is not limited to field operations or the industrial sector – occupational safety is a priority for every organization so that employees can practice handling hazardous situations in a virtual environment.
