Exploring Barriers to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technology for Construction Safety Management Using Mixed-Methods Approach

Construction safety is critical, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as a transformative tool to enhance safety management in the sector. While UAVs are widely recognized for their efficacy, limited research has specifically addressed the barriers to their integration into construction safety management systems. This study aims to identify, prioritize, and analyze the interrelationships among these barriers to aid in their effective resolution. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify barriers and a questionnaire survey to prioritize and examine their interconnections. The findings reveal significant barriers, including restricted airspace, inadequate safety regulations, limited flight durations, collision risks, insufficient piloting skills, lack of UAV awareness, resistance to new technologies, human errors, training needs, and legal constraints. Restricted airspace emerged as the most critical barrier, strongly linked to flight duration limitations and piloting proficiency. This study also highlights regional disparities: respondents from developed nations emphasized collision risks, legal restrictions, and resistance to new technologies, while those from developing countries focused on restricted areas, limited flight time, and piloting expertise. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing region-specific challenges and tailoring strategies to facilitate UAV integration, paving the way for safer and more efficient construction practices.