Did you know that 📊according to the latest statistical data, it is estimated that as many as 80% of accidents in the processing industry are related to the operation of machines ❓ This is a serious risk to employee safety, which, unfortunately, is often ignored or omitted.
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) training is crucial to minimizing the risk of workplace accidents. They help workers understand how to safely isolate and control energy sources to prevent machinery or equipment from starting unexpectedly.
But organizing such training becomes a challenge for people responsible for occupational health and safety (OHS). Why?
Complexity of subject matter : LOTO procedures are complex and require thorough understanding by employees. It can be difficult to convey this information in a simple and understandable way.
Production interruption : Conducting training often means interrupting work, which affects production efficiency.
Large number of employees : Training a large number of employees at the same time is not only logistically difficult, but also makes it difficult to approach each employee individually.
Varying Experience Levels : Employees may have varying levels of experience and knowledge of LOTO procedures, making it difficult to create uniform training that is effective for everyone.
Safety during training : Demonstrating LOTO procedures on real equipment may pose safety risks, especially for new or less experienced employees.
Training costs : Traditional training can be expensive, especially if it requires hiring specialist trainers or purchasing additional equipment.
All these challenges can make organizing effective LOTO training a difficult task.
However, modern technologies such as virtual reality (VR) offer solutions to these problems. Lockout and Tagout App https://www.ehsvr.com/lockouttagout
ad. 1. Complexity of the subject : Each training participant, at his or her own pace, through the "Virtual Reality Experience", has the opportunity to learn different types of energy and learn the principles of securing devices. This hands-on, engaging approach to training helps you not only better understand LOTO procedures, but also remember them. We can sum it up with one of Confucius' quotes : "Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand." This training method introduces a new quality to the educational process, focusing on the practical involvement of participants, instead of the traditional transfer of information.
ad. 2 Production interruption : Traditional training often means interruption of work, which affects production efficiency. However, with our VR application, this problem is easily solved. By having one VR glasses in the workplace, we can organize ad hoc training for employees. Whether during planned breaks or when the production line has stopped for some reason, employees can use this time to develop their LOTO skills. The virtual trainer is always available and willing to conduct training, regardless of the time of day or night. Thanks to this, downtime in production can be used for employee development, and production is not interrupted for training purposes.
ad. 3 Large number of employees : Conducting training for a large number of employees at the same time is not only a logistical challenge, but also makes it difficult to ensure an individual approach to each participant. Traditionally, training for large groups of employees is only possible during periodic occupational health and safety training. Our lockout/tagout application offers a solution to these problems by offering the ability to conduct training in a stationary safety net, the smallest configuration available. This option allows you to conduct training for many participants in one room. Additionally, our application is divided into modules lasting approximately 10 minutes each, which allows you to train many people in one session. Assuming that we have 10 pairs of VR glasses and a professional package purchased, we are able to train about 40 people during one 45-minute session. This organization of training is not only effective, but also effective, guaranteeing that each employee will gain a solid foundation in lockout/tagout procedures.
Stationary grid. (chairs allow you to easily mark where the safety net is.
The chairs also function as a connection between the participant and the physical world.
ad. 4 Different Levels of Experience : Employees may have varying levels of experience and knowledge of LOTO procedures, making it a challenge to create training that is uniform yet effective for everyone. The VR application provides the flexibility to meet this challenge. It consists of two lessons: instructional and testing. For experienced people
employees who already have some basics are given a testing lesson. For those less experienced, a training lesson is recommended. This way, each employee can go through the training at their own pace, with material adapted to their level of experience. A summary of the training results is available in your account on a platform dedicated to virtual reality , so you can track the progress and effectiveness of the training from anywhere, using a computer and Internet access.
View of the https://www.skillsive.com/ platform dedicated to training management.
ad.5 Safety during training : Demonstrating LOTO procedures on real machines carries serious safety risks, especially for new or less experienced employees. This is where our VR application clearly excels. During virtual training, participants "secure" the machine in a safe, controlled environment. Incorrectly undertaken actions do not result in a real accident, but in a virtual - painful but safe reminder of the consequences of mistakes. This powerful lesson is designed to reinforce the importance of properly applying LOTO procedures, all without putting participants in actual danger. This allows employees to understand and experience the potential consequences of errors without risking a real accident.
ad. 6. Training costs : Traditional training can be expensive, especially if it requires hiring specialist trainers or purchasing additional equipment.
Now let's compare the cost of purchasing the necessary equipment to conduct lockout/tagout training.
In the case of traditional LOTO training, the cost includes the purchase of appropriate trainers, safeguards and a number of other necessary pieces of equipment. This amount can increase significantly, especially if we take into account the need to purchase different models of trainers to cover the different types of machines and devices used in a given workplace.
Oculus quest 2 | Oculus quest 2 | |
Photo | ||
Dimensions | (49 x 91 x 51 cm) | (22x17cm) |
Libra | 44kg | 0.5 kg |
Price of the training device | approximately PLN 40,000 | PLN 1,900 (glasses) x 10 pieces = PLN 19,000 |
On the other hand, the cost of virtual reality includes the purchase of a set of VR glasses and a license for the appropriate training software. These costs are much lower, and the VR glasses and software can be used to conduct a range of other training , making it a more cost-effective solution.
In summary, providing effective and safe lockout/tagout (LOTO) training is a challenge for companies. To address these issues, our virtual reality (VR) training application offers a practical, engaging and accessible solution.
Through the "Virtual Reality Experience", employees learn and absorb LOTO procedures in a safe, controlled environment, without having to interrupt work or risk real hazards. Thanks to this, all employees, regardless of experience, can receive personalized training and acquire the necessary knowledge at their own pace.
Additionally, our approach offers significant cost advantages compared to traditional training methods, not only from the perspective of equipment purchase, but also from the perspective of training efficiency and resource utilization.
Finally, using the wisdom of Confucius: "Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand." - our VR training exactly achieves this goal.
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