Simulation approach training for equipment operators

Field equipment productivity, such as loading and hauling equipment, is directly affected by the skills and ability of the operator. Skills gaps are generally present in a typical company workforce, where operators with lower proficiency are responsible for most incidents. These will prematurely fail the equipment, increasing the cost of maintaining the equipment. Therefore, training should be considered an integral part of an employee development program to ensure longevity and safety in the high-risk workplace.

Bestech Australia has supplied modern technical training equipment to local industries and training institutes in Australia and New Zealand. Our equipment includes hydraulic training systems, electrical testing boards and heavy equipment simulators, which are designed to prioritise safety in learning and teaching safe and correct operating procedures.

Training on the actual equipment provides a much more realistic experience. However, it is not suitable in many situations due to safety issues and a lack of diagnostic tools to support practical training. Heavy equipment simulators serve as cost-effective training solutions and can act as pre-screening tools during hiring and recruitment campaigns.

In actuality, training new employees are integral and part of the hidden cost that can be easily overlooked. When a company recruits new operators, not all candidates possess the right aptitude to be trained as equipment operators. Evidence shows that approximately 25%–40% of the candidates that pass the initial screening were judged unsuitable to work as equipment operators. Simulators can be used as pre-screening tools to test for the candidates’ technical aptitudes, such as psycho-motor, sensory/perception and cognitive ability.

The SIMLOG equipment simulators include hydraulic excavators, forklifts, mining trucks, cranes and other equipment commonly found in construction and mining sites. These simulators have been commissioned in industrial training centers and TAFEs across Australia with technical support from our engineers.

SIMLOG’s heavy equipment simulator can be used as a training system for operators and pre-screen for technical aptitudes. The number of simulation modules depends on the type of equipment or simulator. Each simulator is equipped with key performance indicators, allowing the instructors to grade the quality and productivity of students’ work. More importantly, students can learn independently without direct supervision from the instructors.

Training operators with good techniques and working habits lead to increased production efficiency, less wear and tear, and maximise the operating lifetime of the equipment. In the simulator, students will be put under the control of modern equipment with a realistic dashboard in a virtual worksite that mimics the real work environment. Training is delivered through a modular instructional design that teaches the skills to operate the equipment safely and efficiently.

For example, mining truck simulators consist of learning modules that teach operators how to drive the truck, turn the wheel effectively, and minimise the wear and tear on the tyres. Mistakes that occur during practice are counted and recorded. Both students and instructors can review these at the end of the exercise as part of their learning journey.

Choosing suitable training simulators depend on the individual training needs. The top-of-the-tier simulator can consist of multiple PCs, a motion platform, customised hardware/software interface with the particular model/make of the simulated equipment. In addition, it often comes with an ongoing annual subscription fee for the software module.

Safety must be the top priority in every workplace, and this can be achieved by training employees with adequate and up-to-date technology. Setting up an in-house training centre can be costly, but it does not mean breaking the bank. Contact one of our specialists at Bestech Australia about your training needs at 03 9540 5100 or email enquiry@bestech.com.au.