Developing resilient hazard recognition skills among construction workers: the role of safety-simulation training methods

Abstract

Purpose Safety simulation training (SST) methods provide an interactive and dynamic learning environment for construction workers. Nonetheless, knowledge of the critical role of SST in developing resilient hazard recognition skills (RHRS) is not well documented. Thus, this study assessed and identified strategies that strengthen the critical role of safety simulation training methods in developing RHRS. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a purposive sampling technique and gathered data using a questionnaire survey from 138 construction workers in public and private construction firms within the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to examine the relationships among the study constructs and further developed the structural model. Findings The study revealed that SST methods have a positive impact on workers’ hazard recognition skills. Moreover, strategies such as training workers in realistic safety scenarios (RSD), integrating immersive technology (ITI), incorporating multisensory experience (IME), designing interactive safety training modules (DIST) and scenario variability (SV) were identified as significant strategies to strengthen and enhance SST. The findings further indicate that workers with RHRS exhibit key traits such as adaptability, improved safety perception, proactive safety approaches, reinforcing vigilance and positive safety feedback. Practical implications The findings provide guidance for construction firms to simulate workers' safety training, which ultimately helps workers to identify and respond to potential hazards effectively. Originality/value This study develops a holistic SST-RHRS framework, extending prior VR/AR training research by integrating resilience into comprehensive hazard recognition skill development.