Technology News 563 - Hazard Recognition Training Tool Allows Mineworkers to Perform Virtual Workplace Examination

Being able to recognize hazards in the environment where they occur is critical to mineworker safety and health. EXAMiner, developed by NIOSH, is now available and can be downloaded from the NIOSH Mining website to run on laptops or personal computers. This Windows-based software gives mineworkers the opportunity to practice searching for hazards in virtual work environments while performing a virtual workplace examination. Workplace examinations are represented by panoramic scenes depicting locations at a mine site, where mineworkers can search and mark as many hazards as they find within a five-minute time frame. After completing the search task, mineworkers are provided feedback on their performance along with useful information on the hazards. EXAMiner also gives instructors the ability to create custom training materials, either by using NIOSH scenes or by importing their own pictures into the software.