Immersive Safety: Revolutionizing Construction Training with Virtual Reality and Behavioral Insights

Abstract

Questions: Q1: How can we reduce safety incidents at construction sites using VR Technologies? Q2: How can we make the training and hiring process easier for construction workers? Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to introduce and evaluate an immersive virtual reality training kit that prepares construction personnel for static risks by simulating realistic, hazard-rich environments. Research Method: VR model environment development, integration of analytics with biometrics, pilot study, and data analysis Findings: This paper documents that using behavioral and biometric analytics enhances workers’ hazard awareness before allocation to a construction site and managers/superintendents’ decision-making when allocating resources. Limitations: L1: The developed VR model was based solely on static hazards. L2: As a proof-of-concept for the proposed framework, this study utilized a pilot cohort of 10 experienced professionals. While this sample size limits broad statistical generalization, it enables a high-resolution analysis of complex, multimodal data streams (biometric, behavioral, and navigational) to validate the system’s technical and operational efficacy. Implications: Dynamic hazards, such as moving cranes or trucks, can be added based on the site environment. A real case study will be considered to demonstrate the application of the tool for future research Value for authors: This paper introduces the reader to the framework we followed and provides the industry with a training kit for resource allocation. Keywords: Lean construction, Virtual reality (VR), Safety and Risks, Workers’ Training Paper type: Full Paper