Plant operator simulation: benefits and drawbacks for a construction training organization

The civil construction industry in Australia is under pressure to attract, train and retain high numbers of skilled personnel. At the same time it is recognized as one of the most dangerous industries in the country. To counteract the safety issues and the labor shortages, plant operator training augmented by simulation is being investigated as an alternative to current training methods. Construction worksites using heavy excavation and earth-moving equipment are at risk of a multitude of potentially dangerous situations. A review of the literature on simulation reveals high benefits across other areas of industry using heavy, human-operated machinery such as rail and mining. This paper presents an initial preliminary case study to investigate the benefits and drawbacks experienced in the use of simulation in a current construction training program prior to the commencement of a rigorous larger-scale study being undertaken to investigate the human factors benefits of simulator training in construction. While building and construction's use of simulation is in its infancy, a major training provider in Australia has introduced simulation as a key feature in their training programs to attract new entrants into construction careers, enhance safety and introduce the benefits of technology to a traditional area of training. Finally, the paper discusses the research approach that will be used to assess the larger study of simulation use in construction to train heavy plant operation.