A virtual boost for workplace safety

The University of Queensland (UQ) has teamed up with the construction and resources industries to develop a world-first construction and mining simulator training program in Brisbane.

The Construction Training Centre (CTC), in conjunction with the Mining Industry Skills Centre, has established a world-first simulator training facility for the construction and mining industries at Salisbury in Brisbane's south.

The UQ School of Human Movement Studies' Dr Jennifer Tichon and her colleagues are investigating the validity and efficacy of the simulator training program, which aims to prepare personnel to work safely in hazardous construction sites.

“Civil construction, critical to Australia's economic growth, has significant safety issues and severe labour shortages,” Tichon said.

“Our research will test and refine the simulator training to ensure it is valid and effective for heavy industry, as well as assist in the development of accelerated training programs with improved safety outcomes.

“Simulators offer a means of accelerating training and enabling staff to familiarise themselves with hazardous situations without the risk of injury."