The Farm Safety Foundation, otherwise known as Yellow Wellies, will launch a new virtual reality (VR) experience at Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association (LAMMA), the annual agricultural and technology show taking place from January 15 – 16, at the NEC in Birmingham.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the perils of working in the industry without adequate eye protection, with the VR tool designed to mimic the harsh reality of what can happen when you decide to ignore safety protocols which preserve ones eyesight.
Farm activities like drilling, working with chemicals or riding an ATV without the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), can have potentially devastating, long-term effects on a farmer’s visibility.
Visitors to the Farm Safety Foundation stand (20.500) at LAMMA will have the chance to immerse themselves in three scenarios designed to highlight the importance of wearing eye protection during certain farming activities.
Farm Safety Foundation manager, Stephanie Berkeley, said: “A few years ago, we introduced audiences to Ryan Taggart, a young farmer from Northern Ireland who lost sight in one eye from a farm accident.
“Every time we show his story as part of our farm safety training at colleges and universities, it has an impact.
“This made us think that if we could bring his story to life in some way, this would allow us to bring the experience to more farmers and farm workers and make them appreciate the importance of PPE and help them to work smarter and safer.”
The charity worked with Northern Ireland software development agency, Sugar Rush, to create the VR headset which will open visitor’s eyes to the consequences of not wearing basic eye protection and demonstrate how wearing this PPE would prevent an injury from occurring.
“We created this tool to be used both at shows and in the classroom. We know that young people learn in different ways and while watching someone’s story can have impact, allowing someone to experience it for themselves virtually and safely takes it to another level.
“We believe in championing alternative learning methods as a way of engaging the next generation of farmers and equipping them for their chosen career.
“For a generation raised on interactive technologies, we really believe that using VR in our sessions can help encourage active engagement and contribute to driving safer behaviours in the industry.
“Those who visit us at LAMMA and give the VR a try on the day can also collect a free pair of safety glasses from us!,” Berkeley said.
