Working at height presents significant health and safety risks across a number of key industries in the UK, including construction, telecommunications and energy – amongst others. Despite improvements in training, safety and the development of mobile elevated work platforms in recent decades, any kind of operation at height can still pose risks to operatives, people on the ground and the equipment itself.
In fact, working at height still represents one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. In the 2023/24 period, 50 workers died after falling from height in the UK, accounting for 36% of all workplace fatalities, a 22% increase on the previous year (according to the Health and Safety Executive). All of which explains why drone technology is changing the way companies approach this kind of work and helping to reduce the need for workers to be physically exposed to dangerous environments. Below you can discover more about how drones are transforming both working at height and the wider health and safety culture across a range of industries.
Reduced Exposure
Drones can carry out inspections and surveys of structures such as buildings, bridges and power lines. This reduces the need for operatives to work at hazardous heights and, as a consequence, the use of drones is decreasing the risk of falls and injuries. Traditionally these types of tasks required workers to use scaffolding, ropes, harnesses or elevated platforms but drone inspections can be carried out remotely, ensuring workers remain safely on the ground.
Cost and Time Efficiency
Using drones for tasks traditionally performed by operatives at heights reduces the need for extensive safety equipment and time-consuming procedures. This lowers operational costs and also minimises time workers are exposed to potential risks. A reduced expenditure allows for a greater degree of investment in infrastructure, safety equipment, training and more – all of which contributes to an enhanced culture of health and safety within an organisation.
Minimised Disruption
Using drones for inspections and maintenance means there is less interruption to ongoing operations, which can be significant in time-sensitive environments such as construction or manufacturing. The reduced need for scaffolding or other imposing safety measures maintains productivity and ensures safety. Minimal disruption to standard working practices and environments also removes a significant amount of risk and lessens the chances of accidents and injuries occurring.
Enhanced Data Collection
Drones can capture detailed imagery using high resolution cameras and advanced sensors. This allows for comprehensive assessments from safe environments, without exposing workers to potential hazards. The development of thermal imaging, LIDAR and 3D mapping allows drones to detect structural weaknesses, corrosion or other non-visible signs of damage. Again, this can all be carried out from the ground, without the need for operatives to work or operate machinery at height. Once the data and media is created it can be reviewed without the need for further human inspection.
Drone health and safety is revolutionising many workplaces by removing or reducing risk situations. Remote inspections are faster, safer, more efficient and potentially more detailed than physical ones, and they are certainly more cost effective. But potentially more important, drone safety regulations and practices are helping to create a more enhanced culture of health and safety across countless businesses in the UK.
Discover more on the different uses of drones across various industries by getting in touch with our experienced team here at Drone Evolution by clicking here.
