Gaming Computer Technologies in Safety Training at the Agro-Industrial Complex Enterprises

Abstract

Introduction. The topic under consideration is updated by official domestic statistics, according to which more than a third of employees work in harmful and dangerous conditions. During the production process, people get injured and maimed, lose their ability to work. Dozens of fatal incidents are recorded at workplaces every year.The purpose of the study is to show the advantages and prospects of the introduction of gaming computer technologies in the training of workers in labor protection in the agro-industrial complex (AIC).Materials and Methods. The scientific literature devoted to the educational possibilities of digital gaming solutions is considered. In relation to the topic of this study, the potential of a number of computer games, virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies is evaluated. The well-known and commercially available gaming software is considered in relation to the topics and objectives of occupational safety training. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are noted.Results. The paper shows how to prepare for the introduction of gaming computer technologies into the occupational safety training system. In particular, it is necessary to identify and systematize the causes of accidents and injuries at work, to focus on industry (in this case, the most typical for agriculture). Special attention should be paid to organizational risks, because if they are neglected, personnel will work in initially dangerous conditions and high- quality training may be useless. The approaches to the organization of training, conducting classes, checking and consolidating knowledge are considered. Digital gaming products that have proven themselves in occupational safety training in various industries, including the agro-industrial complex, are presented. Variants of such training are considered. The use of digital gaming technology tools for the qualitative development of safety techniques, the formation of safe behavior skills and motivation to prevent injuries is justified.Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the work allow us to assert that gaming computer technologies can be successfully used for teaching occupational health and safety in agriculture. This approach has serious advantages in terms of organization, visibility, cost-effectiveness and safety. Certain disadvantages of the method are likely to hinder the widespread implementation of such solutions in occupational safety training at agricultural enterprises for some time. However, in the medium term, it is possible to predict the solution of the identified problems due to the development of the digital games market, virtual technologies and the development of domestic analogues.