For any logistics manager, health and safety training for your drivers and depot staff is always one of the highest priorities. While haulage work is very tightly regulated, there are many aspects of the industry that can be dangerous, and it’s absolutely essential to provide the correct education to employees at every level. Your job is set to get a whole lot easier, however, with the advent of programmes that can be delivered in a virtual reality environment.
Virtual Reality: The Future is Now
One software developer is ready with the new technology and the Managing Director of Luminous, Ben Bennet, says this new way of learning is akin to a revolution. Strong words, but when you look at the capabilities, it’s hard to disagree.
Utilising VR and AR (augmented reality) the software is able to place the user into real-life health and safety situations without the associated real-life risks. Not only does this streamline the process and make it a much safer proposition, it is also extremely cost effective, especially when used for multiple personnel.
Benefits of VR and AR Training
Relatable scenarios: While currently, classroom learning for health and safety requirements is inevitably and irretrievably bogged down with legislative red tape and hour upon droning hour of rules and regulations, when undertaken in a VR situation, every aspect can be applied to a real-life situation. By utilising all the senses, the programme becomes entirely immersive and, therefore, users are far more likely to retain the information. (Stats show that the retention figure for VR training is around 80% compared to the 20% of a classroom situation.)
Greater safety: The safety of VR speaks for itself, because the software can be adapted for use in a vast range of haulage work scenarios that, if experienced in real life would be extremely dangerous. The software can be used for training in everything from lifting and operation of equipment, to driving and handling emergency situations.
More cost effective: Once set up, this kind of programme can save a company huge amounts of money in terms of damage to valuable equipment and/or vehicles. It can also be adapted to a wider range of potential haulage work scenarios that would otherwise have been too expensive to consider, resulting in more comprehensively trained employees.
An Augmented Bonus
As well as revolutionising health and safety training for employees, augmented reality technology can be used in the cab as well – literally providing a window to a vast range of vital information at the drivers’ fingertips. Augmented windscreens are now being used by some innovative haulage companies, where information including speed, fuel and GPS mapping can be instantly displayed in front of them. This kind of real-time detail into their vehicle’s performance, the route and their own behaviour all adds up to safer driving and, consequently, a safer haulage work industry.
This new technology is an absolute game changer for the logistics industry, with managers set to benefit from not only cheaper, but also far more comprehensive health and safety programmes for employees. It’s time to get on board the ride to the future!
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage work with available drivers. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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