Exploring The Applications of Drones for Health and Safety Management in Malaysian Construction Projects

Construction sites, which present inherent risks to worker safety, have urged the exploration of innovative technologies to mitigate these dangers. This research investigates the level of adoption of drone applications and explores the barriers to their adoption for health and safety management in Malaysian construction projects. Previous research acknowledges the potential of drones in construction but lacks a comprehensive understanding of their specific impact on health and safety management in Malaysian contexts. Addressing this gap is crucial to revolutionise safety practices within Malaysian construction, aligning them with technological advancements. The study employs a structured questionnaire survey among construction professionals and a thorough literature review. Findings reveal a high overall adoption rate of drones, with significant correlations between project types, sizes, and drone adoption. Despite substantial adoption, barriers such as weather constraints, technology familiarity, and permit processes hinder broader utilisation. The study advocates for streamlined regulatory processes and training programmes for professionals. These findings highlight the potential for drone technology to revolutionise safety practices in Malaysian construction and provide a roadmap for stakeholders to leverage drones effectively for health and safety management.