Challenges in the adoption of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for health and safety in the construction industry of Pakistan

Abstract

This study provides an insight about the challenges faced by the construction industry of developing country like Pakistan by promoting technology, unmanned aerial system (UAs), for the purpose of health and safety. The basic purpose of health and safety is to provide protection to stakeholders from hazards on the jobsite. But the rate of adoption of newer technology in the construction industry is very slow paced and even slower in area of safety. This study uses unmanned aerial system (UAS) as a tool by covering various aspects like planning, monitoring, supervision and reporting etc. to provide safety at construction jobsite. The health and safety inspector (HSE) on the construction site can use the UAS to identify, report hazards to make zero-accident jobsite and the access the inaccessible areas. The rate of accidents, fatality and injuries in construction industry is more than any other profession due to which contractors have to pay large amount of compensation to the workers. These factors become the cause of unnecessary delays and increased cost of overall project. Thus, health and safety in construction is in dire need of innovation. The research is done by collecting data using web-based questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to gain insight into to the problems and challenges in the adoption of UAS to enhance the standards of health and safety. Also, to develop a conceptual framework model to improve health and safety in construction industry.