UTM ignites VR module with NIOSH: Revolutionizing safety training

zulaikhayaakub.utm@gmail.com

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) spearheaded a pivotal Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Bangi, aiming to revolutionize safety training in the construction industry. Held on March 21, 2024, this event brought together seasoned Safety and Health Officers (SHOs) and leading researchers from UTM, including esteemed experts like Dr. Norhazren Izatie binti Mohd and Dr. Ahmad Faiz Azizi bin Ahmad Fauzi from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), to develop gamified training modules.

The FGD saw the participation of renowned experts from UTM and NIOSH, alongside 25 experienced SHOs, each with a minimum of five years of industry exposure, enriching discussions with their expertise. The primary objective of the FGD was to gather the perspectives and experiences of safety practitioners in the construction industry in developing the content for the gamified training module.

This activity is apart from the grant NIOSH funded to UTM led by Prof. Sr. Dr. Kherun Nita Ali, which aims to develop hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control using a Mixed-Reality Environment. The whole research project consists of 3 significant phases. The first phase is to develop the gamified module content where this FGD is much needed. The next phase is game development in a virtual reality (VR) environment setting. Furthermore, the last phase is to test the VR-gamified training platform.

During the briefing session, Dr. Norhazren, as the UTM research team representative, highlighted that the FGD represents a significant milestone in our ongoing research initiative, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing safety standards. This platform fosters an open dialogue and knowledge exchange environment. We aim to develop an interactive training module and make the construction industry safer.

The event unfolded with interactive sessions tailored to facilitate robust discussions and capture diverse perspectives from the participating SHOs. Breakout sessions provided a platform for in-depth exploration of practical experiences, ensuring that the module analyses remain aligned with real-world scenarios in the construction industry. Expert from industry was assigned to three different groups based on their expertise. Group 1 focused on piling activities led by Dr. Norhazren Izatie Mohd. Group 2 discussed the site clearance and preparation for the site led by Mrs. Zulaikha Yaakub, the research Officer for this project. Meanwhile, group 3 was led by Dr. Ahmad Faiz Azizi Ahmad Fauzi on building works from work below lower floor finish (WBLFF) until roof works.

Figure 1: Group 1 on Piling work activities.

Figure 2: Group 2 on Site clearance and preparation.

Figure 3: Group 3 on building work activities.

En. Yuzainie Yusof officiated the closing ceremony from NIOSH. He stated that this initiative marks a significant step towards revolutionizing safety practices in construction. He also emphasizes that we are poised to usher in a new era of safety consciousness by harnessing the collective expertise of industry professionals and researchers. The recent FGD at NIOSH Bangi underscores the industry’s commitment to safety excellence. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing, UTM and NIOSH reaffirmed their dedication to fostering safer working environments, paving the way for a more secure future in the construction industry.