Proficiency based progression simulation training significantly reduces utility strikes; A prospective, randomized and blinded study

Anthony G Gallagher, Martin Hart, David Cleary, Craig Hamilton, Kevin McGlinchey, Patrick Kiely and Brendan P Bunting

PLOS ONE, 2020, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-14

Abstract: Objectives: We evaluated a simulation-based training curriculum with quantitatively defined performance benchmarks for utility workers location and excavation of utility services. Background: Damaging buried utilities is associated with considerable safety risks to workers and substantial cost to employers. Methods: In a prospective, randomized and blinded study we assessed the impact of Proficiency Based Progression (PBP) simulation training on the location and excavation of utility services work. Results: PBP simulation training reduced performance errors (33%, p = 0.006) in comparison a standard trained group. When implemented across all workers in the same division there was a 35–61% reduction in utility strikes (p = 0.028) and an estimated cost saving of £116,000 –£2,175,000 in the 12 months (47,000 work hours) studied. Conclusions: The magnitude of the training benefit of PBP simulation training in the utilities sector appears to be the same as it is in surgery, cardiology and procedure-based medicine. Application: Quality-assured utility worker simulation training significantly reduces utility damage and associated costs.

Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0231979

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231979

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