Comparing the effect of in-person training and virtual training on using personal protection equipment among the staff in an open stone quarry

Introduction: Training has an important role in decreasing accidents and increasing safety level of workplaces. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of in-person training and virtual training on using personal protection equipment among the staff in an open stone quarry.Method: In this study, intermediary of training type has been carried out on three different groups (control, in person training, and virtual training) on 75 numbers of staff in an open stone quarry in 2018. The training content was compiled by researcher in virtual and in-person types and then confirmed by the experts. Data of personal protection equipmentusage in workplace were gathered by questionnair before and after trainig. Data were analysed by statistical tests including K2, dependant t, paired t, and variance analysis.Results: There has been no significant difference between groups before trainig the use of personal protection equipment. After training, findings showed a significant difference in personal protection equipment average usage among the staff. After intermediary, The ratio of using safety helmet and mask was increased among virtual and in- person groups rather than control group.Conclusion: This study findings have shown that in-person training and virtual training methods are effective in using the personal protection equipment in both groups and have increased safetybehaviors. It seems that using virtual training as alternative or complementary method for traditional methods can be an appropriate approach for retraining and improveing quarry staff's safety and self-care behaviour