Legal action against drone operator who allegedly hit a triathlon runner
Announcement posted by WHS Solutions 22 Jul 2014
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is looking at taking up legal action against a drone operator who allegedly hit a triathlon runner with an unmanned aircraft in Western Australia.
The runner, Raija Ogden, sustained head injuries during a triathlon in Geraldton this year after the drone flying over the race crashed into her. The drone, filming the race, is owned and operated by videographer Warren Abrams.
Mr Abrams initially claimed that someone nearby may have “channel-hopped” his device, taking over control and crashing it.
However it has since been found that neither Mr Abrams nor his company appear on the list of 92 safety CASA certified drone operators. CASA is now gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses in order to request the matter goes to court.
Recently the CASA has relaxed the rules covering the use of drones, removing the need for commercial operators to have a licence for remotely piloted aircraft under two kilograms.
However the drone-users group, Australian Certified UAV Operators, say two kilogram units are still dangerous and these new regulations could open up the skies to more rogue, untrained operators.
To avoid facing these charges and increase the workplace safety and health of your employees WHS solutions can work side-by-side with you to manage your occupational health and safety systems.
In order to maintain the highest levels of protection for your employees we consistently check and monitor what we have implemented, guarantying full attention to your safety needs.
This ensures that your company is complying with the most up to date regulations and reduces the risk of injury to your employees.
Don’t let time fly by, be proactive and invest in health and safety management system!
Mr Abrams initially claimed that someone nearby may have “channel-hopped” his device, taking over control and crashing it.
However it has since been found that neither Mr Abrams nor his company appear on the list of 92 safety CASA certified drone operators. CASA is now gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses in order to request the matter goes to court.
Recently the CASA has relaxed the rules covering the use of drones, removing the need for commercial operators to have a licence for remotely piloted aircraft under two kilograms.
However the drone-users group, Australian Certified UAV Operators, say two kilogram units are still dangerous and these new regulations could open up the skies to more rogue, untrained operators.
To avoid facing these charges and increase the workplace safety and health of your employees WHS solutions can work side-by-side with you to manage your occupational health and safety systems.
In order to maintain the highest levels of protection for your employees we consistently check and monitor what we have implemented, guarantying full attention to your safety needs.
This ensures that your company is complying with the most up to date regulations and reduces the risk of injury to your employees.
Don’t let time fly by, be proactive and invest in health and safety management system!