Virtual reality training typically uses a head-mounted display to immerse a user into a computer-generated environment, often with a full 360-degree view. Augmented reality, sometimes known as mixed reality, allows for the overlay of video, sounds or graphics to help train or inform users while they experience a real-world view or interact with objects.
VIRTUAL OR AUGMENTED REALITY
Construction and Installation
A virtual reality (VR) device immerses the user in an environment that is entirely computer-generated but allows the individual to navigate the environment as if physically there. VR safety training can allow workers to identify hazards and take necessary actions in a very realistic and immersive simulated environment.
In comparison, augmented reality (AR), also known as mixed reality, is an interactive experience of a real-world environment into which sensory information (sound, video and graphics) are overlaid or augmented. AR can enhance natural environments using a range of technologies including headsets, mobile devices, camera displays and video feeds.
Electrical Work
Emergency Response
Workers:
Employers:
Overall, 24% of workers indicated that location-tracking technologies are relevant to their role in preventing serious workplace injuries or fatalities.
In 2024, 34% of employees reported having tested, interacted with, or used location-tracking technologies in the workplace.
17% using
17% tested or tried
32% considering
22% no knowledge
25% of users adopted them in the previous year
Source +
Findings from the NSC 2020 Safety Technology in the Workplace Survey of 500 employers and 1,000 workers from safety-sensitive industries.
Why It’s Important:
A 2015 study published in the International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion found VR/AR training more effective than traditional classroom training. Students also showed improved knowledge retention and recall. Similar results for memory retention were found in a 2018 study from University of Maryland researchers, published in the journal Virtual Reality.
Users experience repeatable, lifelike scenarios or situations without facing real-world dangers (Zhao & Lucas, 2015)
Allows for training without the use of certain resources such as heavy machinery
Suits a number of different learning styles and be adapted to meet training requirements (NAEM, 2019) (Zhao & Lucas, 2015)
AR wearables can allow trainees or employees to review instructions for equipment or access user manuals on demand (Verdantix, 2020)
Desk-based VR, using a computer monitor to display a 3D virtual world on a desktop screen
Immersive VR that relies on specific hardware
3D, game-based VR that uses computer-based, video game-like training scenes via a combination of visual, interactive networks and multi-user operating technologies
Building Information Modelling (BIM)-enabled VR allows users to access BIM data to simulate construction, processes and operations
View from the Top: Using Aerial Drones for High-risk Situations
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Aerial drones can be used to reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities related to working at height, the most common non-roadway hazard leading to workplace fatalities. Drones are used more and more to conduct aerial inspections and other work to keep employees safely on the ground.
Webinars:
Relevant Resources:
Augmented Reality for Real-time Safety Application
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A deeper dive into augmented reality with an overview of AR for safety training and real-time application. Speakers discuss case studies and impact, hardware and software solutions, and barriers and integration.
Expanding Safety for Confined Space Entry and Other Critical Tasks
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Critical workplace tasks may include a variety of jobs involving performing work in permit-required confined spaces or conducting surveys at height. Confined spaces typically have restricted means of entry or exit and are not designed for continuous human occupancy due to a lack of ventilation or other situational factors.
Expanding Safety for Confined Space Entry and Other Critical Tasks
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Critical workplace tasks may include a variety of jobs involving performing work in permit-required confined spaces or conducting surveys at height. Confined spaces typically have restricted means of entry or exit and are not designed for continuous human occupancy due to a lack of ventilation or other situational factors.
Augmented Reality for Real-time Safety Application
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A deeper dive into augmented reality with an overview of AR for safety training and real-time application. Speakers discuss case studies and impact, hardware and software solutions, and barriers and integration.
An Introduction to Drones for Workplace Safety
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Panelists discuss how the application of drones has evolved over the years and the wide range of industries adopting drones for improved safety. Common uses involve drones being sent into high-risk areas, such as confined spaces and areas requiring work at height.
Expanding Safety for Confined Space Entry and Other Critical Tasks
Learn More
Critical workplace tasks may include a variety of jobs involving performing work in permit-required confined spaces or conducting surveys at height. Confined spaces typically have restricted means of entry or exit and are not designed for continuous human occupancy due to a lack of ventilation or other situational factors.
Augmented Reality for Real-time Safety Application
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A deeper dive into augmented reality with an overview of AR for safety training and real-time application. Speakers discuss case studies and impact, hardware and software solutions, and barriers and integration.
View from the Top: Using Aerial Drones for High-risk Situations
Learn More
Aerial drones can be used to reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities related to working at height, the most common non-roadway hazard leading to workplace fatalities. Drones are used more and more to conduct aerial inspections and other work to keep employees safely on the ground.
Expanding Safety for Confined Space Entry and Other Critical Tasks
Learn More
Critical workplace tasks may include a variety of jobs involving performing work in permit-required confined spaces or conducting surveys at height. Confined spaces typically have restricted means of entry or exit and are not designed for continuous human occupancy due to a lack of ventilation or other situational factors.
Augmented Reality for Real-time Safety Application
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A deeper dive into augmented reality with an overview of AR for safety training and real-time application. Speakers discuss case studies and impact, hardware and software solutions, and barriers and integration.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality for Hazardous Work Training
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A four-part research series on increasingly popular technologies that can reduce top workplace risks: Drones for Working at Height and Confined Space Inspections, Wearables for Fatigue Monitoring, Proximity Sensors to Avoid Equipment Strikes at the Worksite, and Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality for Hazardous Work Training.
White Papers:
Expanding Safety for Confined Space Entry and Other Critical Tasks
Learn More
Critical workplace tasks may include a variety of jobs involving performing work in permit-required confined spaces or conducting surveys at height. Confined spaces typically have restricted means of entry or exit and are not designed for continuous human occupancy due to a lack of ventilation or other situational factors.
Augmented Reality for Real-time Safety Application
Learn More
A deeper dive into augmented reality with an overview of AR for safety training and real-time application. Speakers discuss case studies and impact, hardware and software solutions, and barriers and integration.
View from the Top: Using Aerial Drones for High-risk Situations
Learn More
Aerial drones can be used to reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities related to working at height, the most common non-roadway hazard leading to workplace fatalities. Drones are used more and more to conduct aerial inspections and other work to keep employees safely on the ground.
Expanding Safety for Confined Space Entry and Other Critical Tasks
Learn More
Critical workplace tasks may include a variety of jobs involving performing work in permit-required confined spaces or conducting surveys at height. Confined spaces typically have restricted means of entry or exit and are not designed for continuous human occupancy due to a lack of ventilation or other situational factors.
Boeing’s use of augmented reality headsets
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As a safety technology, augmented reality is most often utilized as a training tool. However, Boeing implemented AR headsets as a way to project and view 3D schematics in realtime, allowing machinists to stay safely in place while working. This case study explores the trial process of the technology, including the benefits of adoption on safety and business operations.
Parson’s use of virtual reality training
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Effective training is a key element in any workplace safety plan. To improve and modernize their employee orientation program, Parsons developed a virtual worksite which allows users to safely practice hazard identification techniques. This case study examines the lessons learned during trials of this VR platform.
Case Studies:
Expanding Safety for Confined Space Entry and Other Critical Tasks
Learn More
Critical workplace tasks may include a variety of jobs involving performing work in permit-required confined spaces or conducting surveys at height. Confined spaces typically have restricted means of entry or exit and are not designed for continuous human occupancy due to a lack of ventilation or other situational factors.
Augmented Reality for Real-time Safety Application
Learn More
A deeper dive into augmented reality with an overview of AR for safety training and real-time application. Speakers discuss case studies and impact, hardware and software solutions, and barriers and integration.
View from the Top: Using Aerial Drones for High-risk Situations
Learn More
Aerial drones can be used to reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities related to working at height, the most common non-roadway hazard leading to workplace fatalities. Drones are used more and more to conduct aerial inspections and other work to keep employees safely on the ground.
Expanding Safety for Confined Space Entry and Other Critical Tasks
Learn More
Critical workplace tasks may include a variety of jobs involving performing work in permit-required confined spaces or conducting surveys at height. Confined spaces typically have restricted means of entry or exit and are not designed for continuous human occupancy due to a lack of ventilation or other situational factors.
Augmented Reality Risk Assessment
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Boiler work is notoriously dangerous, though necessary, often exposing employees to confined spaces, high temperatures, and poor air quality. To combat this risk, AES implemented the use of drones to minimize human entry into boilers. This case study explores the process and impacts of the technology on productivity, operations, and
safety in the workplace.
Safety Technology Investment Calculator
Learn More
Boiler work is notoriously dangerous, though necessary, often exposing employees to confined spaces, high temperatures, and poor air quality. To combat this risk, AES implemented the use of drones to minimize human entry into boilers. This case study explores the process and impacts of the technology on productivity, operations, and
safety in the workplace.
Tools:
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Benefits of VR/AR safety training:
Types of VR/AR training include (Wang, et al., 2018):
Case Study: Parson’s use of virtual reality training
Effective training is a key element in any workplace safety plan. To improve and modernize their employee orientation program, Parsons developed a virtual worksite which allows users to safely practice hazard identification techniques. This case study examines the lessons learned during trials of this VR platform.
Case Study: Boeing’s use of augmented reality headsets
As a safety technology, augmented reality is most often utilized as a training tool. However, Boeing implemented AR headsets as a way to project and view 3D schematics in realtime, allowing machinists to stay safely in place while working. This case study explores the trial process of the technology, including the benefits of adoption on safety and business operations.
Calculator: Virtual reality for safety training
Relevant Resources:
Benefits of VR/AR safety training:
Types of VR/AR training include (Wang, et al., 2018):
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Work at Height
Repair and Maintenance
Relevant Hazardous Situations:
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Visit our annual Expo to hear directly from the leading suppliers.
See This Technology In Action
Take the Assessment
Learn More
Boiler work is notoriously dangerous, though necessary, often exposing employees to confined spaces, high temperatures, and poor air quality. To combat this risk, AES implemented the use of drones to minimize human entry into boilers. This case study explores the process and impacts of the technology on productivity, operations, and
safety in the workplace.
Safety Technology Investment Calculator
Learn More
Boiler work is notoriously dangerous, though necessary, often exposing employees to confined spaces, high temperatures, and poor air quality. To combat this risk, AES implemented the use of drones to minimize human entry into boilers. This case study explores the process and impacts of the technology on productivity, operations, and
safety in the workplace.
Augmented Reality Risk Assessment