On a regular basis, we highlight content posted on other blogs that we feel would benefit our readers. This week's blog highlights include:
Learning Safety Practices in Virtual Reality
A recent study showed that pilots using Microsoft Flight Simulator were 54% more likely to score above average in real-life flight tests. Citing this study, Lindsay Davis at the Suffolk Blog discusses how virtual reality (VR) simulation can help workers safely experience real-life construction hazards and learn practical safety practices. Davis discusses three ways that VR can help augment safety trainings. Read the full post here.
Safety - OSHA Injury Calculator
Last week we wrote about the cost of accidents, including workman’s compensation insurance rates, lost time, lower productivity, lower morale and fines and penalties. For those interested, OSHA has an accident cost calculator which estimates the total costs of various types of accidents; click here for access. Contractors should take this to heart when investing in safety.
20-year Tunnel Projects
Yes, they exist. In discussions about possible tunnel routes thru the San Gabriel Mountains, Robert Cruickshank at the independent California High Speed Rail Blog discusses a few. The 35-mile long Gotthard Base Tunnel will open in Switzerland this week after 20 years of construction! A second tunnel project in the Alps, the Brenner Base Tunnel began construction in 2008 with an estimated completion set for 2026. Fascinating stuff. Click here to read more about these tunnels as well as the latest on the California HSR project.
