Virtual reality training can enhance construction site safety
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries, and traditional classroom or paper-based safety training has struggled to prepare workers for the fast-changing risks found on real job sites. This gap has contributed to high injury rates globally, including in countries like South Korea, where accidents remain elevated despite mandatory training. To address these challenges, researchers examined whether virtual reality (VR) could offer a more practical, engaging and effective way to teach workers how to navigate hazardous tasks through realistic, hands-on simulations.
Their study compared three approaches: direct VR training, VR observer training and traditional instruction, using post-tensioning work as the test scenario. The results showed that workers trained through VR performed significantly better and were more motivated than those who learned through conventional methods. Notably, the “VR observer” model allowed trainees to benefit from immersive learning without each needing their own VR headset, making it a cost-effective option. Overall, VR training offers a promising path to improving safety performance, standardizing training quality and reducing accidents in high-risk construction environments.
