Revisiting the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Construction Safety Training: A Bayesian Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

Construction sites are hazardous environments where safety training is crucial. Virtual Reality (VR) is a promising tool for construction safety education, though its effectiveness is inconsistently reported. This Bayesian meta-analysis synthesizes findings from nine peer-reviewed studies (N=628) to quantitatively assess VR's training impact. Using Bayesian random-effects modeling with shrinkage adjustments for publication bias, results indicate a large overall effect size, which reduces to a more conservative estimate (d=0.55) after shrinkage correction. These findings suggest VR-based training produces meaningful improvements (10-18%) in hazard recognition and safety behaviors compared to traditional methods, with implications for workforce development and educational equity in construction trades.

Authors

• Jewoong Moon, University of Alabama

• Idowu David Awoyemi, University of Alabama