7-4. The Effectiveness of Hands-On Hazard Experience Training and Latest Trends

Experience-based hazard training is gaining attention as a method to cultivate the "ability to truly feel danger," which is difficult to achieve with conventional classroom education. By physically experiencing the fear of an accident and the risks of unsafe behavior, it is expected to promote the establishment of safety awareness and lead to behavioral change. For companies that want to foster a safety culture, experience-based hazard training is becoming an indispensable program.

1. Effects of Experience-Based Hazard Training

The biggest effect of experience-based hazard training is that employees begin to perceive safety as a "personal matter." Through devices and simulations that replicate actual accident scenarios, they learn the importance of pointing and calling and the reality that a minor oversight can lead to a major accident. Moreover, experiences that involve the five senses are easier to remember, and they are said to have a higher rate of reflection in practical behavior compared to conventional classroom-centered education. Furthermore, for young workers and new employees, allowing them to experience the fear of a workplace accident at an early stage can be expected to have the effect of suppressing unsafe behavior.

2. Latest Trend: The Use of VR/AR

A recent trend in experience-based hazard training is the increasing use of VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality). By wearing VR goggles and realistically experiencing situations like working at heights or being caught in machinery, employees can gain a sense that is close to the real danger. This allows for repeated experiences of various scenarios while ensuring safety, compared to training using actual equipment. Additionally, the data collection function is useful for companies, as it allows for the measurement of educational effectiveness and the analysis of behavioral characteristics.

3. Experiential Devices and Hybrid Education

Conventional experience-based hazard training using mechanical devices continues to be effective. For example, roller entanglement devices and forklift contact simulators provide realistic, on-site experiences. Recently, "hybrid education," which combines VR with real equipment experiences, has also been introduced, enhancing learning effects by incorporating the benefits of both digital and physical methods.

4. Benefits for Companies Implementing the Training

Implementing experience-based hazard training not only directly contributes to reducing the incidence of workplace accidents but also helps to raise employees' safety awareness and reduce turnover. It is particularly effective for globally expanding companies as a means to quickly instill a safety culture in local employees. Furthermore, conducting experience-based hazard training is part of EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) activities, which can lead to improved evaluations from investors and business partners.

Summary

Experience-based hazard training is a powerful tool for establishing safety awareness and reducing disaster risks. The spread of the latest VR/AR technology and hybrid education has made more effective and diverse training methods possible. It is important for companies to actively utilize this trend to strengthen their safety culture and achieve sustainable growth.