The oil industry has hundreds of workers that day after day make the sector thrive and prosper. However, according to statistics working in the oil industry may turn into a dangerous task, because countless accidents may occur when the adequate precautions aren’t taken.
According to Petroleos Mexicanos’ (PEMEX) exploration and production division, between 2007 and 2013 an average of 110 accidents a year unfortunately took place.
One of the main causes of death and accidents in this industry is the workforce lack of training, as it is extensive, complex and impractical to use PowerPoint presentations and endless hand manuals.
This leads to a number of not well prepared workers, that don’t finish their training, and this situation ultimately in the long or short run, affect them and/or others.
The objective of this videogame is to train oil workers, in order to avoid accidents caused by mishandling equipment or dangerous chemicals. (Photo: Mexico News Network)
This is how 26-year-old Mexican Javier Rayon, student of the Videogame Creation career of SAE Institute Mexico, saw a great area of opportunity and came up with a solution.
His project consists of using virtual reality to place PEMEX workers in high risk situations, where they will have to test their knowledge and make the proper decisions.
According to the young developer once workers master the virtual environment, they can move on to real life situations, with the tools needed to reduce the probability of an accident significantly.
By Valeria Bigurra Peñavera for Mexico News Network
