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Measuring the impact of drone proximity on workers’ balance stability in roofing tasks

DescriptionDrones are increasingly utilized in construction for inspection and progress monitoring tasks. However, their presence also introduces visual and auditory stimuli that may distract workers and impair motor control, thereby increasing the risk of falls, particularly when working at heights. This study examined the combined impact of drone proximity and time pressure on the attention and balance stability of construction workers working at heights. Using a mixed-reality (MR) simulation of roofing tasks, researchers observed participants under two drone approach distances (near and far) and two time-pressure conditions (with and without time pressure). Results indicated that drones closer to workers caused more distraction, but under time pressure, workers shifted attention to task completion, reducing drone-related distraction. However, time pressure increased instability, significantly affecting workers' posture, as demonstrated by higher pressure on the feet. Findings highlight that drone proximity and time pressure jointly influence worker safety by altering attention and physical balance. This research offers critical insights for the safe integration of drones into construction environments, informing guidelines to mitigate drone-induced risks during high-altitude tasks. Future studies should explore the psychological and physiological mechanisms involved to further enhance worker safety.

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