Drones can be useful for engineering inspections, surveys, photography and accessing difficult or hazardous locations.
However, using a drone can create exposures beyond the firm’s normal Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Engineering firms should consider:
- damage to the drone itself
- accidental injury to another person
- damage to third-party property
- loss or damage caused while the drone is operating
- privacy or data issues
- whether the operator is appropriately authorised
- whether subcontracted drone operators have their own insurance
Professional Indemnity Insurance may still be relevant where an allegation arises from the engineer’s professional interpretation or use of information collected by the drone.
The physical operation of the drone can create a different liability exposure.
Engineering firms using drones should therefore check whether their existing Public Liability or other policies cover drone operations, rather than assuming ordinary business insurance automatically includes them.
For current operating and registration requirements, see the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s drone registration requirements.
Drone use can also raise privacy obligations where images or other personal information are collected. The applicable privacy requirements depend on the operator and circumstances. See the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s guidance on drones and privacy.
