Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for Construction Safety Applications

Researchers have suggested using different types of technologies, such as wireless sensors, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and global positioning system (GPS), to improve safety performance and reduce potential for human errors on construction job sites. One emerging technology that provides immense promise to positively impact safety performance is the unmanned aerial system (UAS). UASs, or drones, can provide several advantages for safety managers: they can move faster than humans, can reach inaccessible areas of job sites, and can be equipped with video cameras, wireless sensors, radar, or communication hardware to transfer real-time data. This study was conducted to identify safety practices that can be improved by using UASs and distinguish user and technical requirements to successfully assist safety managers in conducting their tasks using such aerial systems. These objectives were achieved by distributing an online survey among safety managers in Florida, Georgia, and Nebraska. In total, twenty-two safety mangers responded to the survey and rated as most important three hazardous activities that UASs have great potential to improve: working in proximity of boomed vehicles/cranes, working near an unprotected edge/opening, and working in the blind spot of heavy equipment. In terms of using UASs for safety inspection applications, the top three required technical features rated by safety managers were real-time video communication (video sensor), high-precision outdoor navigation, and sense-and-avoid. These findings can help professionals recognize potential applications and technical requirements and challenges in which UASs can be useful in construction safety practices.