After 18 months in the making, the Dekra Institute of Learning (IOL) has launched its working at heights training course on a virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platform – with its PC-based 3D e-learning being a first in South Africa. This innovative course was developed and designed in partnership with software company, Virtutec.
Dekra IOL has introduced a virtual reality training programme for safe work at height.
Dennis Vaden, Chief Operational Officer of Virtutec says, “While there are other AR and VR training courses in existence, we believe the programme’s ability to offer a 3D e-learning module which is PC-based for multiple corporate users, is a first in South Africa. The working at heights training programme can be used by individuals and corporates.”
Christopher Mörsner, Head of the Training Division at Dekra IOL, notes: “Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries across many sectors, including in the engineering, construction, mining and industrial environments. ‘Work at height’ means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, an employee could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury or death.
“Addressing this very serious issue, we have created the Dekra IOL VR training course, which is fun, interactive and informative. It gives the user the impression of being on a construction site – and the context can be adjusted to suit different customers’ needs. Importantly, the training course is SETA-accredited.
“I believe learning is especially effective when it is fun, and this training course enables anyone to learn about working at heights in a way that is safe and entertaining. It equips the individual to go into the field with knowledge gained, safely yet effectively.
Mörsner adds that the training programme is useful across multiple industries, and is available on the Dekra learner management system for anyone who wants to do working at heights training, whether for the first time, or as a refresher course.
The training programme is based on self-paced learning and can be accessed using virtual reality headsets as well as through a laptop.
“A facilitator can be available to assist and support if required,” Vaden adds. “And because the learning is self-paced, the individual doesn’t have to complete it all at once – the programme remembers where you are, and the multiple modules can be carried out over time to suit your time availability.”
Mörsner says, “In performing work at height, it is important to remember there is always a risk of fall injuries – and certified and expert training is an important part of an employer’s responsibility in facilitating their employees’ safety.
“I am grateful to our Dekra employees who tested the platform vigorously and gave us their feedback. Dekra IOL, in partnership with Virtutec, is proud to present a fun, safe and informative digital way for anyone to learn about working safely at heights – using this technology,” he says.
For more information visit: www.dekrainstitute.co.za/
