icare's Working Safely at Heights training program, which uses virtual reality to improve the safety of young construction staff when working around ladders and scaffolding, has won an international Good Design Award.

Developed by icare and TAFE NSW, the program was recognised in the Service Design category.

It provides an immersive experience for young construction workers before they are exposed to risk in real-world settings. Testing on apprentices resulted in positive changes in risk-taking behaviour and the reporting of safety issues.

“Learning-by-doing is one of the most effective ways people learn. This VR training simulates real-life work challenges and ensures students can show up mentally and physically prepared for their future job site,” TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Carpentry and Joinery Andrew Smith said.

icare GM Prevention Chris Harnett says falls from heights are the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries on NSW construction sites and young workers are more vulnerable than older workers. The construction industry has significantly higher physical injury claims than other industries.

“The project has successfully demonstrated the benefits of using immersive technologies like virtual reality to improve the application of safety knowledge in construction apprentices,” he said.

“If implemented broadly, there is potential for this project to increase the effectiveness of worksite safety practices and reduce the number of injuries in construction.”

The “goggles and glove” virtual reality system includes narration, with cues such as “you forgot to close the hatch behind you when you came through the void protection”.