How drones affect worker safety in construction at heights

Impacts of Drone Distractions on Working Safety at Heights in Construction

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-10932091

This study looks at how drones might distract construction workers who are working at heights, and it’s for anyone interested in keeping these workers safe by understanding how distractions can affect their focus and balance.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10932091 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of drones on the safety of construction workers who operate at heights. It examines how the visual presence and sound of drones can distract workers, potentially leading to unsafe conditions. The study involves two experiments: one where participants use eye-tracking technology to assess their attention to hazards while interacting with virtual construction scenes, and another where they perform tasks on a roof simulator to measure their balance under different conditions. The goal is to understand how these distractions affect workers' ability to recognize hazards and maintain balance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are construction workers who frequently work at heights and may be exposed to drone operations on job sites.

Not a fit: Patients who do not work in construction or do not operate at heights are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety protocols in construction environments where drones are used.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on drone distractions is novel, similar studies have successfully explored the effects of visual and auditory distractions on worker safety.

Where this research is happening

MADISON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.