XR and Workers’ safety in High-Risk Industries: A comprehensive review

IF 4.7 1区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIAL

Safety Science Pub Date : 2025-02-03 DOI:10.1016/j.ssci.2025.106804

Joana Eva Dodoo , Hosam Al-Samarraie , Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani , Tang Tang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The wider application of extended reality (XR) in various industrial settings has created numerous opportunities for enhancing worker safety. Several XR solutions have been applied to address specific safety challenges faced by workers. This study reviewed the current literature (2017–2024) on how XR technologies can potentially enhance worker safety. The PRISMA protocol was used to highlight how XR technologies are utilized in safety training for high-risk industries, their limitations, and recommendations for future improvements. Findings from a review of 41 studies indicate diverse opportunities (e.g., improved knowledge and productivity, delivery of interactive and sequential instructions) for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) in industries such as mining, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, power distribution/thermal plants, aviation, and firefighting. Several challenges (e.g., limited viewing fields, motion sickness, and control issues) were identified in the use of VR, AR, and MR, stemming from both human and socio-technical factors. The overall sentiment towards the use of XR in safety training was predominantly positive (550 instances), reflecting confidence in these technologies to enhance safety training outcomes. Findings from this study offer new insights into the capabilities of XR technologies in improving worker safety in high-risk industries and outline key considerations for policymakers and technology providers when integrating XR technologies to promote worker safety.

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来源期刊

Safety Science 管理科学-工程：工业

CiteScore

13.00

自引率

9.80%

发文量

335

审稿时长

53 days

期刊介绍： Safety Science is multidisciplinary. Its contributors and its audience range from social scientists to engineers. The journal covers the physics and engineering of safety; its social, policy and organizational aspects; the assessment, management and communication of risks; the effectiveness of control and management techniques for safety; standardization, legislation, inspection, insurance, costing aspects, human behavior and safety and the like. Papers addressing the interfaces between technology, people and organizations are especially welcome.