World Safety and Health Day 2025: the role of AI and digitalization at work.
In the run-up to World Safety and Health Day 2025, we will continue to dive into this year’s topic of AI and digitalization at work. In this post, we will be focusing on Virtual Reality in Health and Safety. Delving into the positives and negatives of using this technology in your ongoing Health and Safety Training.
What is Virtual Reality, and how can it be used?
Virtual Reality is a computerized technology which creates a simulated environment. A person can interact with it through specialist equipment, usually using a headset with a screen.
Virtual Reality allows trainees to have a hands-on experience within potentially hazardous environments in the workplace, without the real-life risk. This means staff can be trained for situations they may come into contact with in a realistic way, and learn how to deal with them if they ever arise.
What are the benefits of Virtual Reality Health and Safety Training?
Hands-On Experience
VR allows for hands-on experience in risky and hazardous situations during employee training, giving staff a more in-depth health and safety training experience.
Increased Engagement
Studies have reported an increase in focus and engagement in staff using VR for training purposes. It was found that 40% of learners using VR had an increase in their confidence, and VR learners were 35% more likely to use what they had learnt in their training.
Bespoke Training Environments
Virtual Reality environments have the ability to be crafted to suit your business and industry, to allow the most specific and effective training for your staff.
What are the limitations of Virtual Reality in Health and Safety Training?
Up-front & Maintenance Costs
The upfront costs of a bespoke VR environment development can be very costly, and along with this comes the cost of maintaining your training system. Keeping the simulation experiences realistic, compliant and up to date with procedures is a must in order to keep your employees safe.
Motion Sickness
Virtual Reality commonly causes motion sickness within its users, meaning this training solution may not be suitable for all employees.
It still isn’t real life!
It’s essential to remember that whilst Virtual Reality environments and simulations can be very realistic, they still are not real life, and reality can always be very different.
Overall, it seems that Virtual Reality in Health and Safety Training can be an excellent supplement to support staff alongside the traditional Health and Safety Training methods.
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