TRAINING
BY : ERIC P . WOKAS , CSP ARM RISK CONTROL CONSULTANT JGS INSURANCE , A BALDWIN
RISK PARTNER
But how can you provide effective training by actually performing the unsafe act ?
This is where virtual reality ( VR ) training can be very effective . VR training allows the experience of failure without suffering possibly life-changing consequences . VR scenarios provide firsthand knowledge of circumstances that cannot easily be reproduced in a classroom and allows trainees to experience hazardous situations in real time , making training more meaningful .
There are three main types of VR : nonimmersive , semi-immersive , and fully immersive systems . Nonimmersive VR closely resembles a traditional video game . Semi-immersive VR systems are like the typical flight simulator in which users are placed in a room with monitors relaying 3-D images . Fully immersive VR is a computer-generated alternate environment that engages multiple senses and removes the perception of the real environment . Fully immersive VR allows the user some ability to control objects within that virtual environment . This is extremely useful for replicating detailed settings or tasks .
All VR allows the user to interact in a virtual environment where actions have programmed consequences resulting in immediate feedback to the user . This immediate feedback , coupled with the ability to affect the virtual environment , results in highly effective training .
VR also offers the potential for workers to not only see but also feel , through stimulation of multiple senses , the direct consequences of hazardous actions . VR allows highly hazardous scenarios to become reality through the repetition of the situation without the undesired out come of risking workers ’ safety and health . These lowprobability , highly hazardous virtual scenarios allow users to develop a learned appropriate response in a completely safe environment that is not possible to teach safely in a real-world environment .
There are many other advantages with VR . The VR trainee has a high level of engagement . After all , the training is focused on the individual . To complete the training tasks , the trainee must be actively participating both physically and mentally . There is minimized production disruption . VR training can be conducted outside the production area such as in an office setting . There is greater flexibility of usage . Employee training can be performed on an individual basis . This eliminates the need for a classroom setting , which can tie up a workforce . Training costs in many cases can be lower since the time for a professional trainer is not required . In addition , VR improves the motivation of users , focuses them more on learning , and can improve performance .
There are some drawbacks , Some users may have side effects such as “ cyber-sickness .” Cyber-sickness can occur when there is conflict between a person ’ s vestibular ( balancing ) system and visual perception . Symptoms include nausea , eyestrain , and general disorientation . Another potential disadvantage is associated with older users . Older trainees unaccustomed to computerized learning systems could struggle with VR safety training , resulting in poor training outcomes .
Overall , virtual reality training closes the gap between classroom training and real world experience . VR is virtually your best training solution . +
Eric P . Wokas has over 25 years of experience as a risk management consultant working for various major property / casualty insurance carriers including Continental , Zurich and Gerling as well as Aon an international insurance brokerage firm . At JGS Insurance Eric Wokas continues to assist clients in development and implementation of practical solutions in reducing risk .
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