Training simulators to prevent risks on construction worksites
The EU funded Var-Trainer project is developing training tools for handling construction machinery aimed at avoiding risks for workers in this sector. The expected result is a real time simulator with such versatility and user-friendliness that training in the operation of a range of construction machinery will be possible. The EU construction industry is the sector where there is the greatest risk of accidents. Construction workers are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be injured as workers in other occupations, and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are most affected by construction accidents. The main hazards in construction work include working at height, excavation work and moving loads, all of them connected in some way with the use of specific machinery and equipment. The Var-Trainer project deals with the current lack of training tools and methodologies, addressing, in particular, the use of lifting equipment and heavy works machinery. Any failures in the operation of such machinery can lead to significant injury or damage to works and equipment. Having skilled operators is the best way to reduce and avoid both injuries and the loss of human life, and for this, the appropriate training is critical. Var-Trainer will develop training tools and methodologies for the wide range of tasks that are performed by construction workers. The partners are designing mechanisms that provide the necessary training to workers without direct use of the machine, using simulation instruments instead. Var-Trainer stands for 'Versatile augmented reality simulation for training in the safe use of construction machinery'. This three year collective research project is funded with 1.3 million euro under the SME programme of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). The project is coordinated by the Spanish technologies research centre, Ikerlan, and includes the participation of eight industrial association groups from the construction sector (from Spain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Poland and Slovakia), three SMEs (from Spain, Portugal and Italy) and three RTD performers (from Spain, Germany and France). The research team is currently designing the three elements that will make up the system: a computer aided training programme, a simulator which is accessed by computer and a simulation platform or cabin where the worker carries out construction work as if they were working on a machine. The first phase consisted of identifying the risk situations associated with working with machines, both for drivers and for worksite personnel who carry out their activities within the machine's action radius. The researchers are now developing the different parts of the machine simulation platform in order to integrate it into the system during 2006. And, in addition to guaranteeing that operators will be able to use apparatus assigned to them correctly, the Var-Trainer project will offer the construction sector with an added benefit: a unified training methodology for ensuring safety when using construction machinery.