Using virtual reality for occupational safety and health in a UK tunnelling megaproject

Recent advancements into key technological developments (KTDs) are leading to a paradigm shift in the way that occupational safety and health (OSH) is managed in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation sector. This paper reports on a pilot case study where building information modelling and virtual reality were used for OSH training purposes related to the operation of a tunnel-boring machine. The aim of the research was to identify the benefits, barriers and challenges associated with the implementation of these KTDs in a joint venture organisation delivering part of a complex megaproject in Central London, UK, the Thames Tideway Tunnel project (thereafter, ‘Tideway’). The reported benefits included better safety in design and improved hazard perception. Tideway estimates that the project could potentially see a 20% reduction in training time and a 10% reduction in accidents. The key lessons learned include the need to keep costs down, the necessity for system portability and ease of access. The results of the study will assist organisations that are interested in the adoption of these KTDs and provide valuable insights to the wider construction industry. This will in turn enable companies to improve how OSH is managed and promote the uptake of KTDs for OSH.