A Framework for Using Mobile Based Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality for Experiential Construction Safety Education

Abstract

Due to the complex working environment, construction site still presents high accident rate, causing serious project delays and cost overruns. Safety education is important in promoting a safe and healthy working environment in construction; however current pedagogical methods and tools at the tertiary level are unable to provide students with realistic and practical safety experiences. This study proposes a framework for using mobile based Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for experiential construction safety education. The framework consists of the following three modules: Safety Knowledge Dissemination (SKD), Safety Knowledge Reflection (SKR), and Safety Knowledge Assessment (SKA). The system prototype was developed and evaluated with case studies to identify the system's benefits and limitations. The results concluded that using mobile based VR+AR would improve construction safety & health effectively.