ARTICLE
Although many employers may not be aware of it, OSHA is now using drones to conduct safety inspections of employer facilities-but only if the employer consents. Early in 2018, OSHA issued a memo to its staff formalizing its use of drones for inspection activities, ordering each of the agency's 10 regions to designate a staff member as an unmanned aircraft program manager to oversee training requirements and evaluate reports submitted by drone teams. The memo sets forth the parameters OSHA must follow when using drones, including the fact that the employer must agree to their use. It also reveals that OSHA is exploring the option of obtaining a Blanket Public Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate drones nationwide. It's reported that during 2018, OSHA used drones with cameras to conduct at least nine inspections of employer facilities after obtaining permission from the companies' management. Read more here.