Working under the Shadow of Drones: Investigating Occupational Safety Hazards among Commercial Drone Pilots
Hoda Rahmani, Gary R. Weckman
Abstract
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSA long-standing debate has surrounded the factors that lead to drone mishaps. The results of our study indicate that, from the perspective of drone pilots, situational awareness, decision-based, and skill-based errors are the primary human-factors relevant causes of drone mishaps. Additionally, deficiencies in drone interfaces should be addressed comprehensively to ensure humans can more precisely control drones. Our findings suggest that following safety procedures, receiving technical training, and flying outdoors were associated with a reduced risk of drone-related mishaps at work.
Topics & Concepts
DroneSituation awarenessOccupational safety and healthAeronauticsHuman factors and ergonomicsWork (physics)EngineeringPoison controlApplied psychologyPsychologyEnvironmental healthMedicineAerospace engineeringBiologyPathologyGeneticsMechanical engineeringOccupational Health and Safety ResearchHuman-Automation Interaction and SafetyTraffic and Road Safety