The benefits of using VR training

The benefits of using VR training

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The mining industry in South Africa faces real challenges with regard to the reduction of safety-related incidents. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need for alternative interventions in addition to other safety improvement strategies already employed on mines. It furthermore supports an existing paradigm: incident investigations. An i...

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... multimedia training can dramatically reduce the cost of delivering the training by decreasing learning time for trainees and instructors, the need for expensive and dedicated training equipment, and also travelling expenses. Figure 4 highlights the major benefits of using VR for training. ...

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... In reality, such incidents are irreplicable, and in most cases, lessons can only be learned from the mistakes of others. An education and training system utilising virtual reality enables employees to encounter various risks within a safe environment and to simulate the possible consequences of hazardous actions in a 'forgiving' environment [48]. ...
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Virtual reality (VR) is one of the most innovative technologies that allows the development of a computerised, three-dimensional image that imitates reality. With this solution, it is possible to show different objects and even simulate a sequence of actions. The application of virtual reality technology in industries with high accident rates, such as mining and construction, contributes to sustainability by enhancing occupational health and safety (OHS) practices. However, it should be emphasised that the application of VR in these industries is much broader and includes aspects such as visualisation, monitoring and design. This research contributes to sustainability by identifying research gaps, providing an in-depth systematic review of the use of virtual reality technology and outlining the potential of VR technology to advance safety practices in mining and construction, thereby promoting the well-being of workers, reducing accidents and minimising negative environmental impacts associated with workplace incidents. Based on the analyses performed, the future of VR technology for improving work processes in terms of the safety, efficiency and profitability of implementation is outlined. The results of this study provide a comprehensive framework for identifying research gaps in this area to advance research in the academic community and to improve safety in mining and construction workplaces.
... . VR과 관련된 선행연구를 살펴보면 VR은 의료, 철도 및 항공을 포함한 다 양한 산업에 걸친 안전 관련 교육에 유용하다 (Chittaro, Corbett, Mclean & Zangrando, 2018;Gurusamy, Aggarwal, Palanivelu & Davidson, 2008;Papanikolaou, Haidopoulos, Paschopoulos, Chatzipapas, Loutradis & Vlahos, 2019;Xu, Tang, Yuan, Nie, Ma, Wei & Zhang, 2018). 더불어 광산업 계는 현장 및 강의실 교육과 관련된 한계를 극복하기 위해 VR을 채택하고 있으며 (Webber & Van Wyk, 2013;Tan, Zhang & Qin, 2015) 이 산업에 VR이 유용하 다는 것이 입증되었다 (Kizil, 2003;Schofield, Denby & Hollands, 2000;Tichon & Burgess, 2011). 한국교육공학회(2005) (Moore & Kearsley, 1996), 전통적인 교육과 온라인 학습 환경 모 두에서 학습 경험의 가장 중요한 부분 중 하나로 여겨져 왔다 (Moore, 1989; Jung, Choi, Lim & Leem, 2002 (Fosnot, 1989;Confrey, 1990;Park, 1996;Kang, 1997aKang, , 1997bChoi, 2001;Kang, 2009 (Swan, 2001). ...
... To develop this process further, I suggest that risk controls implemented following incident investigations could be tested on a smaller scale and monitored closely as part of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, for example, before upscaling.384 Such rapid small sample measurements may contribute to learning by doing by providing individuals and groups with prompt feedback on the efficacy of risk controls while simultaneously assisting organisations in making decisions regarding whether or not to disseminate actions more widely.Evaluations of certain risk controls for improvements can also happen in dry runs.Examples include the use of simulation and virtual reality, which as discussed in section 8.2, have been used to test the effectiveness of particular risk controls in the context of healthcare such as the introduction of new drug packaging.385 Such exercises delivered within a safe space, away from the risk of causing harm to patient, provide the opportunity for organisations to test the suitability of risk controls while simultaneously providing a platform for staff to learn experientially and from the mistakes of others.343 ...
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Improving risk controls following root cause analysis of serious incidents in healthcare- Mohammad Farhad Peerally Background Root cause analysis (RCA) is widely used following healthcare serious incidents, but does not necessarily lead to robust risk controls. This research aimed to examine current practices and to inform an understanding of what good looks like in formulating and implementing risk controls to improve patient safety. Methods First, I undertook a content analysis of 126 RCA reports over a three-year period from an acute NHS trust, with the goals of characterising (i)the contributory factors identified in investigations and (ii)the risk controls proposed in the action plans. Second, I conducted a narrative review of the academic literature on improving risk control practices in safety-critical industries, including but not limited to healthcare. Finally, I undertook a qualitative study involving 52 semi-structured interviews with expert stakeholders in post-incident management, analysed using the framework method. Results: Content analysis of serious incident investigation reports identified the preoccupation of RCAs with identifying proximate errors at the sharp end of care, neglecting wider contexts and structures. Most (74%) risk controls proposed could be characterised as weak and were poorly aligned with identified contributory factors. Together, the narrative review and the findings of the interview study suggested eleven features essential to addressing these problems: systems-based investigations; a participatory approach, skilled and independent investigators; clear and shared language; including patients’ views; allocating time and space to risk control formulation; adding structure to risk control formulation; sustainable risk controls mapped to identified problems; purposeful implementation and better tracking of risk controls; a collaborative approach to quality assurance and improved organisational learning. Discussion and conclusion: RCAs as currently conducted, and the action plans that arise from them, are often flawed. The eleven features identified will be important in improving risk control formulation and implementation. To operationalise these features, there is a need for: professional and independent investigations, risk controls based on a sound theory of change, and improved cultures and structures for organisational learning.
... However, VEs can also be viewed through other display technologies, such as screens or projectors viewed with 3D glasses, or on standard PC monitors or laptop screens without the 3D effects ( Figure 2). VE-based education can be used to ensure competence before exposure to the real environment; 'expose' workers to high-risk scenarios in a safe and controlled simulated environment; help workers understand the causes and consequences of incidents through virtual recreations with a view to preventing future incidents; help workers understand the importance of procedural changes; and identify hazards through the afforded ability to assimilate and integrate salient information (McMahan, Schafrik, Bowman, & Karmis, 2010;Nickel, Pr€ oger, Lungfiel, & Kergel, 2015;Webber-Youngman and Van Wyk, 2013). ...
Article
Fires and fire-related fatalities remain a tragic and frequent occurrence. Evidence has shown that humans adopt sub-optimal behaviours during fire incidents and, therefore, training is one possible means to improve occupant survival rates. We present the potential benefits of using Virtual Environment Training (VET) for fire evacuation. These include experiential and active learning, the ability to interact with contexts which would be dangerous to experience in real life, the ability to customise training and scenarios to the learner, and analytics on learner performance. While several studies have investigated fire safety in VET, generally with positive outcomes, challenges related to cybersickness, interaction and content creation remain. Moreover, issues such as lack of behavioural realism have been attributed to the lack realistic sensory feedback. We argue for multimodal (visual, audio, olfactory, heat) virtual fire safety training to address limitations with existing simulators, and ultimately improve the outcomes of fire incidents.
... There is evidence that VR is useful for safety-related training across a range of different industries, including medicine, rail and aviationsee (Chittaro, Corbett, Mclean, & Zangrando, 2018;Gurusamy, Aggarwal, Palanivelu, & Davidson, 2008;Papanikolaou et al., 2019;Xu et al., 2018). and the mining industry is also currently in the process of adapting VR to overcome the limitations related with onsite and classroom training (Tan, Zhang, & Qin, 2015;Webber-Youngman & Van Wyk, 2013) and while it has proven useful for this industry (Kizil, 2003, pp. 569-574;Schofield, Denby, & Hollands, 2000;Tichon & Burgess-Limerick, 2011) there has been little formal evaluation of VR-based safety training in this context (Tichon & Burgess-Limerick, 2011). ...
Article
Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a powerful tool for vocational training - especially for safety-critical vocations where real-world training is often too complicated, expensive, or risky. Despite its apparent utility in this context, there is not yet a coherent, systematic framework that captures the key features of user learning experiences in immersive virtual reality environments. With the use of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), this article presents a comprehensive framework which brings different dimensions (assessment criteria) together. This framework is informed by the analysis of 45 VR training sessions conducted by Mines Rescue Pty Ltd and total of 284 mines rescue brigades partook in this study and received training on specific mines rescue operation. The result of this study shows that actual and perceived learning was enhanced by trainee engagement with the scenario, their perception of the fidelity of the scenario, their sense of co-presence with other trainees, the perceived usability of the system, an overall positive attitude towards the technology, and the involvement of skilled trainers. These results suggest that: 1) there are multiple paths by which immersive VR training can have a positive impact on learning, and 2) immersive VR training will not replace the requirement for skilled trainers, but rather it can serve as an effective vehicle to convey their expertise.
... The research process commenced by defining the real-world problem. More than 100 workers die annually in the South African mining industry and thousands are injured (Webber- Youngman and Van Wyk, 2013). An aim of this study was to propose, model, prototype, and evaluate two novel electronic training interventions to improve the safety of mineworkers. ...
... Inadequate or insufficient training is often cited as a root cause of accidents (Van Wyk and De Villiers, 2009;Tichon and Burgess-Limerick, 2011). Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly growing technology that utilizes the ever-increasing power of computing to simulate real-world and imaginary environments and situations with a high degree of realism and interaction (Webber-Youngman and Van Wyk, 2013). VR is currently being used or investigated as a training solution in a variety of industries. ...
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Mining companies strive to increase and maintain production, while simultaneously remaining competitive in the global economy. Furthermore, they must ensure workers' safety and maintain good safety records. The use of virtual reality (VR) facilitates the development of tools and systems for various purposes that can improve knowledge and understanding of the work environment. VR is a rapidly growing technology that uses the ever-increasing power of computing to simulate real-world and imaginary environments and situations with a high degree of realism and interaction. The availability of 3D modelling tools and simulation programming engines that work effectively with a mid-range desktop PC and standard 3D graphics card, make VR technology viable and attractive for mainstream training applications. The design, development, and implementation of interactive VR training systems is proposed as an innovative approach to augment safety training. However, in order to assess the impact of such VR training systems it is of particular importance to determine the effectiveness of the design of such systems. This article proposes an evaluation framework for this vital purpose. This framework comprises criteria to assess VR training systems, specifically relating to usability, instructional design, VR systems design, and mining industry context-specific aspects. Although the framework was developed as an evaluation tool to assess effectiveness of the design of such systems, it can equally well be used as a set of design principles to inform the design of VR training systems for mining.
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Control of OHS risks in the mining industry has been attracting increasing attention in recent years. Because of their great diversity in a complex system, hazards can be difficult to identify and classify, especially when system components interact. Risk cannot be managed successfully without comprehensive investigation of all its aspects. A coherent and integrated classification for identifying and categorizing all hazards is currently lacking in mining. We propose an integrated system classification of OHS hazards in mining based on our review of 44 studies retrieved using PRISMA. Considering Canadian and international standards, regulations and conventions, new hazard categories are proposed and hazard prevention is discussed from 12 perspectives: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, accident and psychosocial risks, as well as policy, legislation, management, design, geography, and uncertainty, with reference to each of the four phases of a typical mine life cycle, the hazards were shown in a portrait. This paper provides suitable categories based on rational data for creating a portrait in order to OHS hazards prevention in life cycle activity in mine.
Chapter
Extended reality (XR) technology in the pedagogy of the education of mining professionals such as mining engineers and mine surveyors is critical in the development of an education programme that will provide graduates with a competitive edge at the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Virtual reality (VR) technologies have been introduced with varying degrees of success at some mining companies and universities in South Africa. To develop graduates who have an integrated understanding of the mining environment, university students are expected to complete several facilitated tours to mining operations during their studies. These visits and practical exposure for students are constrained by safety regulations, venue capacity and the goodwill of industry partners. It is argued that VR technology can support and enhance the learning experience of students and provide insights that would normally only be experienced through physical exposure to the mining environment.