INDUSTRY INNOVATION

Transforming High Risk Training in NZ with Simulator Technology

We chatted with Stuart Hindley, owner of Major Oak Safety Training (MOST) and the recipient of the Crane Association of New Zealand’s 2019 Crane Training Company of the Year award. MOST has brought immersive simulation training, the first of its kind, to New Zealand.

The Innovation: High Risk Industry Training Simulator

MOST has introduced a state of the art crane and construction equipment operator simulator for training, risk and skill analysis, and competency assessments. There are a vast range of competency tasks, situation variables and exercises all customisable to each piece of equipment. This is the first simulator in New Zealand to offer this range of training for operators and dogmen. This can be offered in a mobile format, able to go to client sites.

The simulations the product offers for cranes include:

•flat-top and luffing tower

•RT mobile

•crawler

•ship pedestal crane

•the world’s first multi crane lift simulations

The product also offers simulations for construction and mobile plant including:

•excavator

•wheel loader

•dozer

•backhoe

•forklift

Also available is real time, in person signal/ dogman station for crane communications and hazard and risk identification.

Stuart, tell us a little more about what motivated you to develop your innovative product?

After spending 20 years in and around heavy plant and high risk industry, I found that training for mobile plant and crane operators has been traditionally time prohibitive and potentially disruptive to job sites. As an experienced trainer and assessor, I saw the potential opportunities and started my own company, Major Oak Safety Training (MOST).

The prospect of being able to increase the seat time for cross skilling, up skilling and introducing new skills in a safer environment for inexperienced people, while reducing the downtime and cost for industry companies was a big driver for me in creating this product.

That’s fantastic! Can you give us a little more insight on what problems your innovation addresses and who might benefit from this innovation?

The simulator enables upskilling and training of new and existing operators on a range of cranes and earthmoving equipment that essentially allows participants to “lift loads” without the disruption to a job site. It is also an avenue to introduce the industry to newcomers who may wonder what it’s like. This in turn will help the industry appeal to fresh talent and continue to improve its safety record.

Participants benefit the most from the simulator with reduced exposure to high risk environments whilst learning basic skills, advanced skills and gaining confidence of crane operator / dogman duties. It also offers reduced costs and downtime to employers and machine owners.

Both participants and companies benefit from this form of training and I see it as a win-win for the entire industry.

Did you hit any roadblocks along the way? How did you overcome them?

The simulator we bought was not initially designed to be mobile. We worked with our local engineers, Watson Engineering, to build a custom trailer and housing set up to specifically make our design portable to make it more accessible to clients.

Another challenge we are still facing is changing the mindset of the industry here in NZ, to engage and adopt new ways of training and embracing newer technologies.

Simulators have come a long way and are now used widely in many industries around the world but being the first of its kind in our industry will always be a difficult task.

Quite a journey! Who can access your innovation and is there a cost involved? What have your customers said so far?

Any person or company can access the simulator, including other training suppliers, schools, industry associations or individuals. There is a cost involved, however, there are many different service options available from dry hire, hiring with a trainer, short courses or long-term hire. We basically want it to be utilised and accessible to the industry so as many people as possible can benefit. We have several large crane companies, government departments and civil companies that have all used and continue to engage with our new innovative service.

Any final comments?

At MOST, our aim is to enhance experience and competency levels both at the beginning of and during the career of operators. Combining this with our final assessments on real equipment in the workplace, we believe that simulation is the future for providing a risk-free confidence building training environment for candidates, increasing safety in the workplace, whilst protecting the environment and minimising operational disruptions.