Virtual Reality Simulator for Construction workers

Abstract

Construction industries represent the worst industries regarding injury and fatality statistics due to security and health issues. In this field, if not performed correctly, the tasks have risk of causing work related pains or cause death. Currently training sessions are available to train construction workers and are based on two different workshops: Theoretical and practical sessions. However, the risk of injury is still present in the current practical sessions. Therefore, virtual reality might offer a risk free training and raise awareness of health and safety issues amongst construction workers on the workfield. In this paper, we describe the application developed to train construction workers on the operating mode of a formwork panel and the stabilization task in particular and the tests conducted with various Bouygues Construction experts. First results showed that the application was conclusive and cost efficient. In addition the employees assessed the application as innovative, relevant and useful. In conclusion, virtual reality could be of added value in the training process to reduce safety and health issues in the construction industry.