Originally published in 2021. Updated July 2025 for context.
Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB), North Forge collaborated with Bit Space Development (BSD), a leader in extended reality (XR), to create an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Safety Training Experience. This innovative project was supported by WCB’s Research and Workplace Innovation Program and was designed to augment the FabLab’s existing Health and Safety Program.
The North Forge Fabrication Lab™ (FabLab) is the largest publicly accessible fabrication lab in North America, and safety is central to everything we do. As a SAFE Work Certified facility through Made Safe, the FabLab’s mission includes fostering startup growth while maintaining the highest safety standards. With cutting-edge tools and industrial equipment, ensuring member safety is not just a priority, it’s a responsibility.
Why Virtual Reality?
Workplace safety training often involves complex procedures and high-risk scenarios. Traditional training methods can leave gaps in retention, especially when users can’t fully experience the risks or procedures first-hand. That’s where VR makes a difference.
“The VR Safety Experience enables us to put the user in hazardous areas without putting them at risk,” said Dan Blair, CEO of Bit Space Development. “Immersive learning increases retention, and the metrics we collect can help identify training gaps to improve workplace safety over time.”
The experience takes members through simulated modules that cover critical FabLab areas and equipment. It reinforces personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines, machine hazards, and Safe Work Procedures in an engaging, trackable format. Data collected through the platform also supports the development of leading indicators to continuously improve safety outcomes.
A Partnership Rooted in Innovation
The VR Safety Training Experience was spearheaded by Marney Stapley, former Vice President of North Forge, and developed in partnership with Bit Space Development. The project builds on a long-standing collaboration between the two organizations, which began through the advanced ICT Lab.
“Working with Bit Space Development was an obvious choice,” said Stapley. “Dan Blair has always been passionate about solving problems through technology, and this VR training platform is a perfect example of how we can elevate safety through innovation.”
The project also reflects North Forge’s broader goal: to accelerate innovation in advanced manufacturing while maintaining a safe, inclusive makerspace for startups and entrepreneurs.
Continuous Improvement and Industry Collaboration
The initiative isn’t stopping at the FabLab. With its scalable design, the training can be adapted to benefit other manufacturers and shared through North Forge’s network of industry partners.
“North Forge became SAFE Work Certified by Made Safe in 2019, and this is another example of their continuous improvement mindset,” said Neal Curry, Executive Director of Made Safe. “This project helps elevate safety practices not just for North Forge, but for industry as a whole.”
Members began training with the new VR system in April 2021, and North Forge continues to explore additional use cases where immersive technology can enhance training, reduce risk, and foster innovation.
Explore the FabLab™
The North Forge FabLab is a place where innovation, education, and safety meet. Whether you’re building your first prototype or refining a production-ready part, you’ll have access to top-tier equipment — and now, leading-edge safety training too.
