Case Study: VR Safety Training for Warehouse
Earlier this year, we developed a successful VR safety induction course for Sydney Airport. We applied strategies of cognitive learning to encourage learners to process information more deeply, transfer and apply that information to new situations, and increase retention of that information.
Immersive learning can support in delivering ideas, concepts and knowledge in a way that can be better absorbed than traditional training methods. A Stamford University study has proven that knowledge retention is deeper with VR as compared to traditional classroom environments.
The interest in immersive learning is growing rapidly in workplace health and safety training. Workplace safety is a priority for many businesses across industries like supply chain and warehouse, transport and construction to name a few. But for some industries, guaranteeing the safety of trainees proves to be more challenging depending on the nature of the role.
The Need for Effective Safety Training
Super Retail Group (SRG) engaged us to produce a series of VR safety training modules to be implemented as part of the employee warehouse training in Brisbane.
The warehouse floor is fast-paced and full of hazards, and SRG had three main objectives:
- To create a new standard of safety and achieve lower injury rates.
- To optimise onboarding and equip new hires with confidence and proficiency on the warehouse floor.
- To reduce the cost of practical on-site training, which is usually outsourced.
In the same way that a traditional video encompasses engaging storytelling and visuals, VR safety training programs are made effective by pairing an traditional storytelling elements with interactivity and the principles of learning. VR training is meant to take the learner on a journey, so mapping the experience is a crucial exercise to undertake. We crafted the user journey map (like a storyboard use in traditional filmmaking) to effectively structure the learning modules and visualise the different scenarios required.
Our development approach is a customised training programme that is interactive, short and scalable. We designed short experiences concentrating on a single hazard where learners can get fully immersed in the task at hand; facilitating a deeper learning experience. With the concept of microlearning in mind, we believe that training in bite-sized modules so that the entire session will not take more than 10 to 15 minutes.
Through scenario-based modules and interactive hotspots, we move away from ‘reading and memorising’ warehouse safety protocols to ‘identifying and seeing’ the potential hazards and risks. Employees that undergo the training will experience a direct consequence of a hazard when a mistake is made.
Aside from using a realistic location (SRG’s actual warehouse), the training features actual SRG employees to take learners through each module. Knowing that they were not actors made the whole experience relatable and realistic.
After the completion of filming and post-production, the learning modules were tested and loaded into the latest all in one VR headsets from our partner PICO for SRG. And then, it was time for the implementation of training across the warehouse.
Reimagine the Future of Safety
After one month, of running the VR safety training program, tested by over 80 SRG employees, from the on-ground warehouse staff to the C-levels. The results were resoundingly positive, with retention rates increased by 78%, engagement increased by 4x, and costs reduced by 47%.
The ability to monitor and evaluate performance in VR training is a game changer in the world of training. By introducing testing the programme and analysing the data, you will get the chance to assess what works – and more importantly, where changes are needed.
Immersive learning makes safety training more effective, but it’s not just valuable because it’s engaging or fun. When VR training programs are designed well, it leads better learning outcomes, ultimately leading to a reduction in safety risks. Forward thinking organisations should consider adopting the technology and start building your own VR classrooms for employees to learn.
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