Preventing Drone Distractions on the Jobsite

Key Hazards

• Workers watching the drone instead of their task or travel path
• Drivers or equipment operators becoming distracted
• Bystanders approaching the launch area or pilot
• The pilot being interrupted by questions or requests
• Visual observers performing unrelated work
• Supervisors pressuring the pilot to continue an unsafe flight

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Drones attract attention. On an active jobsite, workers may stop watching traffic, tools, equipment, walking surfaces, or suspended loads because they are following the aircraft.

Affected crews should be told when and where the drone will operate. Workers who do not need to participate should continue their assigned tasks or move away from the operating area rather than gathering around the pilot.

Drivers and equipment operators should not be expected to watch the drone while moving. Flight paths should be separated from roads, haul routes, backing areas, and critical equipment operations whenever practical.

The remote pilot should not be interrupted with questions, requests for camera views, or changes to the mission during a critical phase of flight. A separate crew member should handle coordination when needed.

The visual observer should remain dedicated to the operation. Assigning the observer to traffic control, photography, paperwork, phone calls, or another task weakens the flight crew’s ability to identify hazards.

Controller screens and live video can also distract supervisors and clients. Viewing should occur from a safe location that does not interfere with the pilot or place people in active work zones.

The pilot must be free to delay, change, or terminate the flight. Pressure to obtain one more image or finish before a deadline can lead to poor decisions when weather, battery, people, or equipment conditions are no longer safe.

A well-managed drone operation should reduce exposure, not create a crowd, interrupt critical work, or divide attention across the site.

Safety Reminders

• Tell affected workers when and where the drone will operate.
• Keep unnecessary personnel away from the pilot and launch area.
• Separate drone routes from drivers and moving equipment.
• Do not interrupt the pilot during critical flight activity.
• Keep the visual observer free from unrelated duties.
• Provide a safe location for viewing live video.
• Support the pilot’s decision to delay or terminate the flight.

Ask the Crew

• Which workers could be distracted by today’s operation?
• Can vehicle and equipment movement be separated from the flight?
• Who will handle questions while the pilot is flying?
• Does the visual observer have any unrelated assignments?
• How will supervisors avoid pressuring the pilot to continue?