The Adoption of UAVs for Enhancing Safety in Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

The nexus between sustainability and safety in construction is crucial for improving a resilient and responsible built environment. By adhering to sustainable principles, construction practices can not only mitigate the environmental impact but also prioritize the health and safety of workers and communities. To prevent accidents and enhance safety in construction, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are utilized for aerial inspection, site monitoring, surveying, emergency response, and training purposes. However, no systematic review has yet identified UAV deployment’s adoption, challenges, and prospects. UAVs have emerged as promising technologies for improving safety through applications such as aerial inspections, site monitoring, surveying, emergency response, and training. However, a comprehensive review of UAV adoption, challenges, and prospects in the construction industry is still lacking. To address this gap, this study conducts a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis to examine the current state of UAV implementation in construction safety management. The analysis reveals the interconnectedness between construction, engineering disciplines, and safety management, providing a holistic overview of influential contributors and prevalent themes. Content analysis further uncovers significant barriers hindering widespread UAV implementation, emphasizing technical, regulatory, and safety concerns. This study highlights strategies for overcoming these challenges and optimizing UAV deployment to enhance safety in construction, aligning with broader principles of social sustainability.