The oil and gas business has a fatality rate seven times higher than any other industry in the world, which is not surprising given the field’s heavy machinery, combustible chemicals, and harsh environmental conditions. Workers in the oil and gas sector, who frequently do their jobs in isolated areas, must be aware of the dangers of a hazardous workplace and know how to reduce the chance of becoming hurt or worse.
Leaders in the oil and gas sector are seeking innovative approaches to raise safety standards. VR fire extinguisher training is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance fire safety preparedness, not only protecting workers from danger but also reducing the risk of financial losses in the event of an incident.
Despite recent efforts to improve safety standards, workers remain vulnerable to common hazards such as being struck by machinery, explosions, fires, falls, and chemical exposure. Implementing immersive VR training can help mitigate these risks by providing hands-on experience in handling fire emergencies safely and effectively.
However, how can business executives ensure workers’ safety while enhancing their knowledge of risks and hazards? Classroom-based theory is one approach, but if you want a training program that truly works, we recommend virtual reality (VR).
Using VR for oil and gas safety training
A skilled team that is cognizant of potential risks and hazards can make the difference between a project’s successful completion and a disastrous failure in the oil and gas sector. Although many businesses go to great lengths to shield their workers from constant dangers, there is a growing recognition that more needs to be done to reduce accidents and fatalities.
Because of this, industry leaders are now incorporating virtual reality (VR) into their training processes, giving employees a way to experience real-life situations without the dangers of the actual world. This could involve running intricate machinery, practicing drills, or reacting to crises like gas leaks, fires, or oil spills. All of which are carried out in a secure setting where users are instructed on how to react properly in the event that such incidents do occur.
One may argue that comparable training could be delivered in a conventional classroom, but doing so would deprive employers of the immersive experience that first-person VR modules offer. When you can show employees what to expect, why tell them?
Additionally, VR training courses are easily adaptable to every oil and gas company’s specific requirements.
How VR is transforming the oil and gas industry today
Unquestionably, the oil and gas sector has seen an increase in the use of VR safety training. As more and more business executives become aware of its many advantages, its position in the sector is expanding internationally.
The simplicity of accessible for all employees may be the primary driver of its integration. Because employees only need to wear a headset to access a training module, eliminating the need to travel to specialized learning centers.
Employees benefit from a fully immersive and independent learning environment as a result, which has been shown in numerous studies to increase engagement and improve information retention.
It guarantees that workers are more equipped to foresee and handle any health and safety-related incidents, saving employers time and money compared to traditional training approaches.
Types of VR Training in Oil and Gas
VR training in the oil and gas industry can be categorized into several types, each focusing on different aspects of employee development and safety.
Onboarding and Orientation:
VR can be used to familiarize new employees with the work environment, company policies, and safety protocols. By virtually touring facilities and experiencing simulated work situations, new hires can quickly acclimate to their roles and responsibilities, reducing the time and resources needed for traditional onboarding processes.
Skill-Specific Training:
Certain job skills, including welding, pipe fitting, or equipment operation, can be targeted by VR simulations. Without the hazards or expenses of in-person training, employees can gain competency and muscle memory by practicing these abilities in a virtual setting.
A 2022 PwC study found that VR learners finished training four times faster than classroom learners and were 275% more competent in using the skills they had learned. This demonstrates how well VR works to speed up skill acquisition and increase worker confidence.
Safety and Emergency Response
As mentioned earlier, VR is a powerful tool for safety and emergency response training. By simulating high-risk situations, such as confined space entry or working at heights, workers can practice appropriate responses and develop the situational awareness needed to stay safe on the job.
VR learning is revolutionizing training in the oil and gas sector by providing a secure, effective, and economical means of staff development. Technology is set to become a vital tool for businesses aiming to improve their training initiatives and develop a safer, more competent workforce as it develops and becomes more widely available.
