Construction work remains one of the most dangerous occupations for blue-collar workers. They have to work around dangerous machinery and hazardous chemicals. They may have routine exposure to electricity. Workers can fall or drop items from significant elevations, and they are also at risk when working below grade in trenches.
Construction professionals often experience mental fatigue related to on-the-job risks. They may ultimately stop taking safety concerns as seriously as they should because of their day-to-day exposure to them. Safety experts are always on the lookout for ways to reduce the risk involved in construction work and overcome that mental aversion to constant vigilance. Could virtual reality (VR) offer solutions for certain construction-related job risks?
VR can help identify and eliminate certain risks
When used properly, VR could potentially help address multiple known safety risks for construction firms and their employees. One of the best uses of VR for construction site safety would involve its use to analyze blueprints and the proposed stages of a project. Sometimes, issues with the design of the building or with the schedule for work on the project will come to light during a VR analysis of the process.
A VR projection could also eliminate certain hazards, like a property owner bringing prospective buyers or clients to the facility while the work is underway. VR could allow someone to show the space without physically bringing people to a construction site. It could also help improve client satisfaction by giving them a better idea of what the finished project will look like. Companies could also use VR environments to help train their workers. From training on specific safety gear to the proper use of forklifts, VR can provide a hands-on training module without the risk involved in training someone on an active construction site.
No technology fully eliminates risks
No matter how much an employer prioritizes worker safety and utilizes cutting-edge technology, there will always be hazards on a construction site. Workers therefore need to know about the safety regulations in place for their protection and their rights should an incident occur.
Frequently, injured construction workers can file a workers’ compensation claim that can help pay for their treatment and at least some of their lost wages if they require time away from their jobs due to injury. Pursuing a workers’ compensation claim is often the best option for a worker hurt on a construction site, as there is no way to eliminate safety risks entirely.
