The Royal Welsh Show will be the launchpad for a pioneering, bilingual farm safety app that harnesses the power of virtual and augmented reality to identify potential hazards and reduce the risks associated with farming.
The interactive 'Fferm Ddiogel' app has been created for Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol with an aim to reduce accidents and improve farm safety. It transports users into realistic farm environments for learning and training.
Designed to support practical teaching by lecturers and assessors, the app uses engaging and dynamic scenarios highlighting hazards and how to mitigate risk when working with animals, driving all-terrain vehicles and carrying out farm tasks.
Sector research by the Coleg identified a need for an easily accessible, bilingual app to educate learners, apprentices and organisations about farm Health and Safety which is an essential part of agriculture qualifications and land-based studies from Levels 1 to 4.
Lisa O’Connor, Academic Manager for Further Education at the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol said:
“We are extremely proud to be launching this innovative resource that will truly make a difference to farm safety. Education is key for change, and we recognise the importance of Welsh and bilingual digital resources in the sector as an effective means to aid learners with their education. We look forward to launching the resource and to introducing it to colleges that deliver agriculture and animal management courses across Wales.”
Rhys Lewis from Machynlleth, Cefn Gwlad presenter on S4C who broke his back farm accident and now farms from a wheelchair, is fully supporting the new app.
“This new resource is pioneering and I very much welcome it,” he said. “We hear all too often about accidents happening on the farm and this has to change, through education, in order to ensure the safety of our farmers.
The latest VR technology is exceptional, and I am of the view that it is a very effective means by which to educate the next generation of farmers to recognise the possible dangers on the farm and how to avoid them.”
Mark Needham and Sara Roberts, agriculture lecturers at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Gelli Aur campus, enthusiastically welcomed the new app.
“This resource is perfect for everybody who is studying or working in agriculture, whatever their skills are in the Welsh language,” said Mark. “It’s fantastic that an innovative VR resource on farm safety exists and we are extremely lucky that we can bring the latest technology into the classroom.”
Sara added: “This resource is perfect to teach practical elements of the curriculum. Learning about safety on the farm is vitally important. It enables learners to identify dangers, to understand the risks and how to avoid them in a way that is effective and ‘real’, whilst in a safe and managed environment. I’m sure the resource will be very popular with the learners.”
Derick Murdoch, from Galactig, a bilingual digital creative agency based near Caernarfon, is excited about the potential impact of the new app. “Fferm Ddiogel transports users into realistic farm environments, harnessing the power of virtual and augmented reality to provide an interactive platform for learning and training that surpasses conventional methods,” he said
“By immersing users in engaging experiences and dynamic scenarios, we empower individuals to develop crucial safety skills and enhance their awareness, resulting in reduced accidents and improved overall farm safety.
“Fferm Ddiogel integrates the Welsh language as its primary mode of communication. Furthermore, to ensure inclusivity for Welsh learners, the app provides support in English, allowing users at various language proficiency levels to fully engage with the content and derive meaningful value.
“By blending technology, language and education, we aim to inspire positive change within the farming community, fostering safer environments for all.”
The new app will be launched at the Coleg Sir Gâr stand at the Royal Welsh Show on July 26 at 11am.