A new virtual reality (VR) induction for construction sites has been launched at the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre in Blantyre.

Developed in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, 3D animation specialists Animmersion and the Morrison Construction Scottish Water business, the VR experience allows users to immerse themselves in an animated environment as they navigate their way through three modules using goggles and hand controllers.

The modules let participants familiarise themselves with a Computer-Generated Imagery construction site, recognising common dangers and completing a simple activity to emphasise the importance of correct safety procedures.

The first module asks the participant to identify the safety board, key staff and important locations such as the muster point on site. Users are required to mark key site dangers such as buried services with red flags, receiving a mark on the completion of the second module.

In addition, an interactive task in the third module is set on a site where underground services works are taking place demonstrating the consequences of not being aware of safety risks.

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The site and construction teams from the Morrison Construction Scottish Water business were heavily involved in the eight-month development process to create a realistic experience for induction participants, with Morrison investing £50,000 to help create the initiative.

Industry experts who attended the launch event on Tuesday were given the opportunity to take part in a live demonstration to experience the technology first-hand.

Morrison Construction Scottish Water Operations Director, Stephen Slessor said: "We are very excited to showcase our VR site induction, providing an engaging way for employees to receive vital safety training. Today marks this significant investment in site safety by Morrison Construction and I would like to thank members of our team and our project partners for their valued contributions.

"Health and safety is our number one priority at Morrison Construction and we believe this real-time learning system can benefit the wider construction sector by enhancing traditional site processes. Using this VR induction allows participants to make mistakes in a safe environment."

University of the West of Scotland Senior Lecturer in Construction Engineering, Mohamed Abdel-Wahab, said: "It is great to see Morrison Construction launching this innovative VR induction. VR application in the construction industry provides an effective means for health and safety training. It helps to raise awareness of on-site hazards and ensure compliance with HSE guidelines, thereby reducing the likelihood of on-site incidents.

"This project is an exemplar of university-industry collaboration for the application of VR. We can only make a difference and change industry's practice through truly collaborative endeavours such as this."

Image: Animmersion Operations Director, Sam Harrison, Morrison Construction Scottish Water Operations Director, Stephen Slessor and University of the West of Scotland Senior Lecturer in Construction Engineering, Mohamed Abdel-Wahab at the VR induction launch on 02 May at the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre.

(LM/MH)