Immersive Safety: Revolutionizing Construction Training with Virtual Reality and Behavioral Insights

Immersive Safety: Revolutionizing Construction Training with Virtual Reality and Behavioral Insights

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.60164/zsjnc2rvu

Authors: Mohammad Sabek, Baseel Andres Ammar, Vicente Gonzalez, Farook Hamzeh

Citation:

Sabek, M., Ammar, B. A., Gonzalez, V., and Hamzeh, F. (2026). Immersive Safety: Revolutionizing Construction Training with Virtual Reality and Behavioral Insights. Lean Construction Journal 2026 Special Issue CRC-CSCE pp 96-113 https://doi.org/10.60164/zsjnc2rvu (Submitted 10Jan2026; Accepted 10Sep2026) www.leanconstructionjournal.org

Abstract:

Questions: Q1: How can we reduce safety incidents at construction sites using VR Technologies? Q2: How can we make the training and hiring process easier for construction workers?

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to introduce and evaluate an immersive virtual reality training kit that prepares construction personnel for static risks by simulating realistic, hazard-rich environments.

Research Method: VR model environment development, integration of analytics with biometrics, pilot study, and data analysis

Findings: This paper documents that using behavioral and biometric analytics enhances workers’ hazard awareness before allocation to a construction site and managers/superintendents’ decision-making when allocating resources.

Limitations: L1: The developed VR model was based solely on static hazards. L2: As a proof-of-concept for the proposed framework, this study utilized a pilot cohort of 10 experienced professionals. While this sample size limits broad statistical generalization, it enables a high-resolution analysis of complex, multimodal data streams (biometric, behavioral, and navigational) to validate the system’s technical and operational efficacy.

Implications: Dynamic hazards, such as moving cranes or trucks, can be added based on the site environment. A real case study will be considered to demonstrate the application of the tool for future research

Value for authors: This paper introduces the reader to the framework we followed and provides the industry with a training kit for resource allocation.

Keywords: Lean construction, Virtual reality (VR), Safety and Risks, Workers’ Training

Paper type: Full Paper