Unmanned Aerial Systems in Occupational Hygiene-Learning from Allied Disciplines

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Environmental Science
• Remote Sensing Technology

Background:

• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technologies are rapidly advancing, reducing costs and accessibility for diverse applications.
• Related scientific disciplines are increasingly exploring and implementing UAS for research and commercial purposes.
• This review bridges the gap by examining UAS utility in fields adjacent to occupational hygiene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and comment on the existing literature regarding UAS applications in allied scientific fields.
• To evaluate the potential utility and applications of UAS technology within the discipline of occupational hygiene.
• To inform the occupational hygiene community about potential uses by analyzing cross-disciplinary applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of allied scientific disciplines employing UAS technology.
• Cross-sectional analysis to identify current and potential UAS applications.
• Synthesis of findings to guide occupational hygiene practice.

Main Results:

• UAS are being utilized in environmental monitoring, emergency response, epidemiology, safety, and process optimization in related fields.
• Potential benefits for occupational hygiene include cost reduction, time efficiency, and remote sensing in hazardous environments.
• The current state of UAS technology suggests significant potential for adoption in occupational hygiene.

Conclusions:

• The occupational hygiene field can benefit from lessons learned and applications developed in closely related disciplines.
• UAS technology presents a viable opportunity to enhance occupational hygiene practices through cost savings, time efficiency, and improved safety.
• Further exploration and adoption of UAS are recommended for the occupational hygiene community.