A Bahraini businessman has highlighted the potential of modern technology, especially Virtual Reality (VR), to revolutionize occupational health and safety training in the Kingdom.

The steady growth of the industrial and technical labour market in the region leads to a higher possibility of workers encountering occupational hazards. In this regard, the vernment of Bahrain pays close attention to occupational health and safety laws through the implementation of laborers rights and regulations to provide a safe, health-conscious environment for employees.

The CEO of NGN International, Yaqoob Al Awadhi, stated that companies in the Kingdom stand to benefit from the development of Virtual Reality-based training for labour protection and industrial safety. “The Kingdom of Bahrain has actively sought regional and international expertise in the field of occupational health and safety to provide workers with advanced protection on the field,” said Mr. Al Awadhi.

The Occupational Safety and Health Council in the Kingdom of Bahrain has highlighted its vision of working towards a work environment free of accidents, injuries and occupational diseases. “This requires intensive efforts and high-level coordination among various concerned bodies, thus enhancing the concepts of occupational safety and health as a value adopted by developed countries, given its positive impact on production in various economic, trade and industry sectors,” he stressed.

He highlighted the importance of implementing the articles of the Council’s strategy while carrying out productive steps and coping with any challenges which may arise. “Companies must establish regulations for using work tools and mechanical vehicles and periodically evaluate safety supervisors in cooperation with civil society organizations and vernment authorities”.

From his side, Mr. Kamil Khiriev, Industrial VR/AR Consultant at NGN International said that “The VR-courses also enables the trainers to start emergencies in different sequences and even in parallel, giving the employees an opportunity to develop their emergency strategies”. International occupational health and safety companies are keen on raising awareness of occupational safety and the need for it in all workplaces while simultaneously providing appropriate training solutions. “Given that the safety and health of personnel is the top priority of any industrial enterprise, these companies are actively seeking ways to adapt modern technology to provide innovative training, which is more effective when compared to traditional methods,” he explained.

Emergency situations are difficult to reproduce in reality; however, Virtual Reality safety courses are based on immersive technologies which are capable of recreating scenarios such as work with high voltage equipment and even large fires. “Accidents at worksites frequently occur due to employees being unsure of how to react. By training them with VR technology, we will be able to study their reaction and educate them on better alternatives which could be life-saving in extreme situations” Mr. Khiriev explained further

“Through the implementation of scientific and technological developments and awareness programs, we can positively create safe work environments for Bahrain’s workforce,” he concluded.

VR Safety Training courses currently make use of VR glasses and VR systems such as helmets, joysticks and powerful workstations. Each of these formats has their advantages and various levels of immersion and mobility for the user.