How to use gamification in order to prevent Occupational Risks
When you are looking to teach and to educate, there are certain methods to improve the learning experience for the student. Gamification consists of applying game mechanics to teaching (whether educational or professional) so that the student can have fun in the process and absorb knowledge better.
This system can be applied in several ways. Teachers can use the games during classes or trainings of any subject. Besides, there are also computer programs, online platforms and mobile applications aimed at learning through games.
The gamification applied to the Occupational Risk Prevention
One of the areas where this method of learning can be applied is in the Occupational Risk Prevention, for which it provides some advantages. The goal of this method is to avoid the association with “boringness” that employees often give to conferences and courses. It is about the employee perceiving job security as a pleasant subject.
Game systems to teach Occupational Safety
A points and rewards system can be implemented. One strategy is to give each employee a prevention card in order to accumulate points. The employee will get points by answering correctly to questions or by correcting a colleague about a reckless act. In turn, he can lose points if he is seen performing a risky action. Workers with more points can exchange them for paid time off, for example. This system motivates workers and minimizes accidents in the company.
Creation of prevention games or applications
If you decide to implement an application or game software, it must include a series of elements:
- Training content: even if it is a game, it is essential that the main risks existing in the workplace, protection measures and safe behaviour, as well as the protocol of action in an emergency case are presented.
- Story: It must have a funny and engaging story. The different Occupational Hazards can be represented in the form of monsters or enemies that must be located and overcome.
- Simulation: the game must show real working environments and risky situations. The player must be able to identify the Occupational Risks in the scenario and choose among several actions to prevent them.
- Game dynamics: a point system can be established for each correct or incorrect action. Each overcome risk awards points. Through a ranking, players can compete with each other. There must be a prize or a reward for the winners of the game.
- Feedback: a question system can be used to defeat each Occupational Risk. When failed, the application may re-show the question later.
Implementing the gamification methodology based on rewards is the best way to motivate employees to comply with Occupational Safety.