Virtual Reality Simulators revolutionize Occupational Risk Prevention

According to data provided by the Ministry of Labour, 1.2 million occupational accidents were recorded last year and 721 workers lost their lives at their workplaces. Although this figure represents a decrease of 13 per cent compared to the previous year, the average of 2.7 occupational fatalities per day is still a cause for concern.

Among the most prominent unnatural causes were fatal falls, with 91 cases, and incidents of entrapment, crushing and amputation, with 87 fatalities.

It is clear that training in Occupational Risk Prevention plays a crucial role in mitigating these accidents. However, what resources are available to the professionals who provide it?

Traditionally, the tools available for training in Occupational Risk Prevention include the ability of the trainer to make the sessions interesting, the use of videos and the performance of some role-based case studies that, in the best of cases, are based on real elements.

However, thanks to technological advances, we now have Virtual Reality simulators that allow workers to practice safe and effective ORP techniques in highly realistic virtual environments.

The implementation of these immersive experiences in learning processes represents a significant advance both for companies that train their employees and for those External Prevention Services that train workers in other companies. Focusing on the benefits they offer, we can highlight several key aspects.

Firstly, Virtual Reality simulators substantially improve the learning process and its sustainability over time. By allowing participants to experience and confront real-life situations in a controlled manner, they promote a deeper and more lasting understanding of complex and abstract concepts.

In addition, the ability to bring workers into controlled risk situations without interfering with the operation of equipment and without disrupting the business is invaluable.

Another significant benefit of simulation is the increased stimulation, engagement and involvement of both learners and trainers. Interactivity and immersion generate a higher level of attention and participation from all involved, which enriches the training experience.

Also, the possibility of having several people doing the same activity at the same time encourages teamwork and strengthens learning and collective problem-solving skills.

Finally, Virtual Reality simulators contribute to improving employees’ awareness of the risks and challenges inherent in their work.

By experiencing first-hand the consequences of their actions in a safe environment, workers can identify and correct mistakes without jeopardising their safety or the safety of others. This active awareness promotes a culture of safety and responsibility in the workplace, benefiting both individuals and the organisation as a whole.

Within our catalogue of simulators, several of them are designed to be perfectly suited for use in Occupational Risk Prevention training.

Our simulator gives employees the opportunity to practice various firefighting techniques in realistic environments such as professional kitchens, warehouses or offices.

This immersive experience allows you to learn specific procedures, identify risks and test your knowledge in situations that faithfully reflect the consequences of an outbreak of fire.

This simulator covers all the tasks involved in the maintenance of a medium-voltage transformer substation, highlighting the meticulousness of the protocol and the importance of safety measures during each stage of the process.

Designed for industrial environments, our Plant Safety simulator trains in the detection and correction of risks, as well as in the implementation of preventive and corrective actions.

Specifically, it presents 18 scenarios illustrating problems such as improper placement of materials, incorrect use of PPE or blocking of emergency exits.

This simulator provides realistic scenarios for employees to practice first aid manoeuvres and protocols that allow them to remain calm and apply their acquired knowledge in case of an emergency.

Our Work at Height simulator teaches the proper use of PPE, fall protection systems and anchorages required for different types of work at height.

In addition, the simulation of falls from a great height helps to familiarise users with the sensation of vertigo, allowing them to experience first-hand the consequences of bad practice and improving awareness.

Divided into two axes of Occupational Risk Prevention, this simulator focuses on the correct use of PPE and the identification of risk factors.

Given the different work environments and activities covered, this simulator can be suitable for OHS training in many different sectors.

This Virtual Reality simulator explains the LOTO procedures for different types of energy, providing a clear understanding of the safety measures to be taken into account and allowing to test the knowledge acquired in the electrical and mechanical energy consignment activities.

In short, the implementation of Virtual Reality simulators in Occupational Risk Prevention training offers numerous benefits that can significantly contribute to improving safety in the workplace and reducing the incidence of workplace accidents and fatalities.