Seville II - Line of Fire Among Fatal Four: Virtual Reality Provides Solutions
We’re not talking about bullets or flames here. In this session, OSU staff will present their study on a VR-based training framework designed to help workers recognize and avoid line-of-fire hazards—aka struck-by incidents involving objects or equipment.
In 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 14% of workplace fatalities resulted from contact with materials, including struck-by, struck-against, and caught-in-between incidents. These types of accidents, along with electrocution, are part of OSHA’s “Fatal Four,” which are among the deadliest workplace hazards, second only to fall-related incidents.
Line-of-fire accidents occur when a worker is caught in the path of moving objects or equipment, often leading to severe or fatal injuries. To mitigate these risks, proper training and awareness are crucial before workers enter a job site.
Virtual Reality (VR) presents a promising solution for safety training by allowing workers to engage in realistic, immersive simulations of actual worksites. This technology enables hands-on learning in a controlled environment, reducing exposure to real-world hazards while reinforcing critical safety practices.