LIFE-VR: A New Way to Train

• According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 229,410 injuries due to contact with objects and equipment in the workplace in 2019. Recent research has also shown that human error is the result of 80-90% of workplace injuries.
• To address these concerns, our team, consisting of junior economics major Mary Stahlman and junior MIS major Christina Rozsa, set out to leverage our diverse business knowledge to design a virtual reality training program for International Paper (IP) as well as a cohesive plan for the program’s implementation.
• Our ultimate goal is to reach IP’s target of achieving zero injuries for employees and contractors by 2030.
• Our project provides a way for new hires and managers alike to practice essential safety protocols and prepare for emergency situations in a controlled but realistic environment.
• The program will feature informative modules based on driver safety, machinery, hazard identification, chemicals, proper PPE, emergency response, and more. Required annual renewal training and additional training requirements for employees that are changing mill locations will also ensure that all employees are kept up to date on important protocols.
  
• In order to implement our plan, we will start by working with management and employees to pinpoint categories where training is most needed. Then, we will partner with a company such as PIXO to design the software and purchase equipment. We will test the effectiveness of the training with a small group of manufacturing employees at one mill.
• After a year of monthly analysis of workplace safety incidents, we will decide whether to expand the training or adjust based on the project’s success in reducing workplace injuries with the eventual goal of expanding training throughout the company.
• In the words of Stanford communication professor Jeremy Bailenson, “people learn by doing…getting feedback on mistakes, and then repeating and iterating.” Our innovative VR training program will allow IP employees to do just that.
• Through this project, we learned the importance of, not only coming up with an idea but also thoroughly thinking through its implementation and effect on the company.

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