VR in HSE: Training Impossible Procedures to Save Lives

Modern technologies, such as VR, are increasingly entering the world of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment), revolutionizing the way training is conducted. Thanks to virtual reality, companies can offer their employees the opportunity to practice procedures that would traditionally be too risky, costly, or even impossible to perform in real life. From skydiving simulations, passenger evacuations from trains, to hazardous material removal – VR creates entirely new possibilities in education and preparing employees for extreme situations.

What Cannot Be Practiced in Reality, but Can Be Done in VR?

1. Firefighter Jump Cushion and High Altitude Evacuation in VR

   Training using the firefighter jump cushion is one of the most demanding procedures that previously involved real risk and costs. Unfortunately, this type of training has been banned in Poland due to safety concerns. Fortunately, virtual reality (VR) provides the opportunity to practice these dangerous procedures in a safe, virtual environment.

   With VR, participants can simulate high-altitude evacuations, jumping onto a jump cushion, and other scenarios that would be difficult, expensive, or even impossible to perform in real life. Thanks to VR technology, firefighters and other emergency responders can refine their skills without any risk, learning proper procedures and reactions in crisis situations.

   More and more companies are turning to VR for training, not only in the emergency services sector but also in other industries, to improve efficiency and safety for their employees. VR allows training in realistic conditions that were previously only available in specialized, costly centers.

2. High-Altitude Evacuation
   High-altitude evacuations, especially in skyscrapers during a fire or other emergencies, are incredibly difficult to conduct in real-life conditions. These situations require specialized equipment and often involve many people. With VR, employees can undergo realistic high-altitude evacuation scenarios, learning the correct techniques and procedures that could save lives in the event of an emergency.

3. Train Fire and Passenger Evacuation
   A fire on a train is one of the most stressful scenarios, requiring a fast and accurate response. Simulating this kind of situation with VR allows railway staff or emergency personnel to practice evacuating passengers in a stressful environment without putting anyone at risk. Conducting these types of trainings in real life is expensive, and VR provides a safe way to rehearse these life-saving actions.

4. Fire-Fighting and Emergency Procedures
   Fire-fighting training in workplaces often involves substantial costs, risks, and the need for specialized resources. VR enables the creation of realistic fire scenarios that allow employees to practice effective firefighting techniques in various conditions. It’s possible to train for everything from a small office fire to a large blaze in a hazardous material warehouse.

5. Hazardous Material Removal
   Hazardous materials present a danger in many industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Real-life training to deal with these substances is dangerous and costly. VR allows employees to simulate hazardous material incidents, enabling them to practice safe and efficient removal procedures without the actual risk to their health and safety.

VR in HSE Training – Growing Popularity Across Industries

More and more companies worldwide are adopting VR for their HSE training. VR technologies are used across various sectors, including manufacturing, transport, energy, and healthcare. Here are some examples of companies that are using VR for HSE training:

• Volkswagen – The company introduced VR training for workplace safety, allowing employees to simulate emergency situations in a virtual environment.

• Shell – The oil corporation uses VR to train employees on safety procedures and emergency responses, such as oil spills and fires.

• Walmart – The retail giant implemented VR training for safety procedures in stores and for effective customer service training.

• UPS – The logistics company uses VR to train employees on emergency evacuation procedures, both in warehouses and transport vehicles.

Conclusion:

Virtual reality in HSE training offers limitless opportunities. With this technology, training can be conducted in extreme conditions that would be impossible to replicate in real life. VR allows employees to practice challenging procedures, such as high-altitude evacuation, fire-fighting, and hazardous material removal, all within a safe and controlled virtual environment. This solution not only increases training effectiveness but also ensures a higher level of protection for employees in emergency situations. More and more companies recognize these benefits and are transitioning to VR to ensure their employees are fully prepared for any hazards they may face.