An interactive virtual reality model for enhancing safety training in construction education

Abstract

One of the main factors leading to fatalities in construction sites is the inefficiency of safety training programs. This article presents an immersive and interactive virtual reality (VR) model for safety training, which is an advanced and more comprehensive version of previously developed VR models in the literature. The novelty of this research is present in the proposed general safety training model that is fully immersive and interactive, that is built based on the concepts of experiential learning; where users learn from their mistakes rather than being passive learners in a virtual environment. The model, which was developed using the Unity® platform and C#, contains 12 scenario‐based hazards with programmed interactions and responses to the actions of the trainees. The developed model was tested for two aspects: (1) the ability to achieve learning outcomes and supersede traditional training, and (2) user experience and usability. Using an experimental setting and statistical tests, the developed model has shown statistical significance when it comes to its efficiency in enhancing hazard identification and mitigation skills as opposed to traditional training. The model also performed well in terms of usability and user experience, and important lessons were extracted for future VR development in construction education applications. This research strengthens the utility of VR as an effective tool for experiential learning; which enables future research in exploring how computer applications can improve experiential learning even further.

Using a Virtual Reality Tool to Provide Primary Prevention Training in the Construction Field Following a Periodic Medical Visit: Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, it's important to keep in mind that these reviews pool together studies with different methods. Some studies are based on immersive technologies such as head-mounted displays, which rely on a computer connection [13], and mobile VR, which relies on the use of a smartphone [14]. Others have used less immersive techniques such as the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment, which involves virtual reality spaces where the walls, floor, and ceiling act as huge projection surfaces [15].…”

Research on an educational virtual training system for ship life‐saving appliances

“…With the continuous advancement of computer technology and virtual reality (VR) technology, simulation-based training has emerged as a crucial component in teaching and training practices [23,36]. VR-based simulators have gained widespread attention across various fields [9,15,21,24,30,48,55]. In comparison to traditional training methods, VR-based training enhances safety and reduces training time.…”

Review of Fire Emergency Training using Virtual Reality

“…It is an affordable proactive learning strategy, especially in fields where real practice is unfeasible due to cost or safety concerns. VR is presently being used in training programs for the military, aviation, healthcare, and fire departments (Abotaleb et al, 2023). Advanced safety and health instruction are possible in VR, where accidents do not result in harm.…”

“…Advanced safety and health instruction are possible in VR, where accidents do not result in harm. Since VR requires specialized gear and technological know-how, it might be challenging to integrate a VR training facility into a building project (Abotaleb et al, 2023;Cha, Han, Lee, & Choi, 2012;Jacobsen, Solberg, Golovina, & Teizer, 2022). Augmented Reality: The indirect or direct perception of the physical surrounding to the actual surrounding that is immersed with virtual aspects to produce a mixed reality in real-time using technological or computational equipment is known as augmented reality (Placencio-Hidalgo, Álvarez-Marín, Castillo-Vergara, & Sukno, 2022).…”

“…This is demonstrated in fire safety training programs, where VR can provide a useful and efficient solution to help people get ready to handle emergencies (Wang, Wu, Wang, Chi, & Wang, 2018). The goal of (AR) is to provide users the ability to perceive the real world while including virtual features that are overlaid or composed with actual items (Abotaleb et al, 2023;Placencio-Hidalgo, Álvarez-Marín, Castillo-Vergara, & Sukno, 2022;Samarasinghe & Piri, 2022;Zhu & Li, 2021). Since it enhances the actual real-world environment rather than creating a virtual one from scratch, augmented reality (AR) is more like the real world than VR (Abotaleb et al, 2023;Placencio-Hidalgo, Álvarez-Marín, Castillo-Vergara, & Sukno, 2022;Samarasinghe & Piri, 2022;Zhu & Li, 2021).…”