BNSF Railway builds upon safety record by utilizing virtual reality for training
March 28 2024 - 1:23PM
Business Wire
As the railway industry continues to power the American economy
with sustainable methods of moving freight, BNSF Railway is
building upon its record year for safety by continuing to put its
people first.
As the industry’s safety leader, the North American railway
company is currently implementing immersive technology into its
mechanical training programs to keep workers safe, utilizing
virtual/augmented and mixed realities to enhance safety strategies
and improve role readiness amongst the mechanical workforce.
With the help of VR Learning Solutions provider, Roundtable
Learning, the training simulations currently being tested with BNSF
create training solutions to address risk-specific scenarios to
potentially avoid incidents and injuries while on the job. This new
initiative upholds BNSF’s standards of innovation, while keeping
its commitment for safety front and center.
“BNSF closed out last year with the lowest injury frequency rate
in the company’s 175-year history,” said Mark Stockman, director of
mechanical training for BNSF. “We continue to invest in new
technologies like virtual reality simulations to enhance our
mechanical training programs even more. They serve as an integral
tool in bridging frontline work with digital technology and
prioritizing our vision of a workplace free of accidents and
injuries.”
BNSF’s efforts to utilize virtual reality training programs
complement existing instructor-led mechanical programs by
reinforcing learning techniques that cannot be replicated in
traditional training modalities. Built for in-depth exposure to
step-by-step processes, the VR program provides experiential
learning opportunities for mechanical employees to build their
knowledge of the importance of personal protection equipment (PPE),
improve risk awareness, and hone seamless lock-out tag-out
procedures. Each time employees encounter safety hazards within the
VR experience, warnings alert learners to pressurized systems and
reinforce safe lifting practices.
“BNSF took the initiative to think outside the box by providing
their employees with a new training strategy to further practice
identifying and mitigating exposures to risk,” said Jeff Suchan
with Roundtable Learning. “Not only has this created a new way of
learning/training at BNSF, but these technologies can also help
create safer behaviors within the rail industry as a whole.”
For a video demonstration, click here.
For more information on BNSF’s use of VR training technology,
click here.
About BNSF Railway
Fort Worth-based BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading
freight transportation companies. BNSF operates more 32,500 route
miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is
one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and
agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such
as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food, and beverages.
BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American
homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have
developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient
railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the
value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we
provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can
learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.
About Roundtable Learning
Roundtable Learning is a full-service learning company that
works with Fortune 500 companies to deliver custom XR and eLearning
experiences to enhance training programs, engage learners, and make
a true organizational impact. Roundtable’s philosophy is simple.
Learning is experiential. By utilizing expert instructional design
and technology in blended learning strategies, Roundtable Learning
delivers innovative solutions with a core foundation in learning to
close training gaps and empower your workforce. Learn more at
https://roundtablelearning.com/.
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Kendall Kirkham Sloan Director of External Communications
Media@BNSF.com