Safety training is there for a reason... anything that helps employees pay attention to that could save their lives or the lives of others, so in that narrow application it feels like a good idea from everyone's point of view.
For me, there are things that might improve outcomes, but would be unacceptable.
For example, drugs that help with information retention. Mandatory memory enhancing brain implants. Drugs that adjust motivation/focus. Wires attached to eyelids to prevent you from closing your eyes.
The reason why VR used for training seems dystopian is that it removes choice. Or at least feels like it does.
Arguably the trade off is worth it in this case.
edit: downvoters have never worked in an HR department...
Some of it probably appears foolish to new people, but it’s all from prior or realistically possible safety concerns. If it helps our insurance premium or lawsuit outcome, so be it, but we do it to not hurt or kill people.
That might be the intention of the trainers and the participants, but it's not the (primary) intention of corporate.
I get the cynicism, because it’s not wrong in every case of company policy. I’m sure there is a company somewhere who wouldn’t implement any safety policy unless required by OSHA, labor demands, or insurance. It’s not my experience working with, talking to, or being a manufacturing leader that that’s the primary driver in most companies.
However I’m hopeful that this new medium leads to interactivity by default, furthermore there are first mover advantages to be gained from improved engagement while VR is novel to most users.