The abstract should summarize the contents of the paper in short terms, i.e. 15–250 words. The use of virtual reality (VR) technology for safety training is gaining increasing recognition in the construction sector. While existing research primarily focuses on developing VR-based safety training programs, there is a notable lack of studies aimed at enhancing their effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence the effectiveness of the VR training packages provided by the Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (DEVB) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) for training construction students and educators in safety practices. The research will utilize both quantitative and qualitative approaches, gathering survey data from five lecturers to develop comprehensive recommendations based on their insights and teaching experiences. A total of 58 questionnaires have been collected. Following enthusiastic feedback and discussions, follow-up interviews will be conducted after classes with participants who have completed the VR safety training. Insights gained from the interviews and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire suggest that the degree of presence in the VR environment and participants’ perceptions of occupational accident risks significantly impact their satisfaction with the VR training and the application’s user-friendliness. As the application of VR in construction safety training is still emerging, these findings offer a detailed analysis of both the technical and psychological dimensions of VR safety training. Results indicate a notable improvement in safety awareness, safe working practices (such as the correct use of fall arrester on bamboo scaffolding), and logical reasoning among workers and students. However, hands-on learning components were found to be less effective. These findings can offer valuable insights for developers of VR training materials. Additionally, the theoretical framework established in this study may serve as a foundation for future research on training effectiveness.