“Accidentally” struck by a drone in the print room

Anonymous

June 30,2023 at 2:11AM UTC

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“Accidentally” struck by a drone in the print room

I’ve been tangentially supporting a small drone project. I am an electrical engineer working with another electrical engineer and a mechanical engineer; they are both men in their mid-30s. I’ll be 50 in a few months.

The mechanical engineer is a licensed drone operator. And “accidentally” landed the drone into my left ankle. I’m disabled and my left leg is most affected, so quickly avoiding the drone was physically impossible. The three of us were testing to see if the drone was operational under battery power in our office print room.

Earlier the ME said something like, “I hope nobody finds out if I crash a drone into someone, as a licensed pilot. Because I’d lose my license ” I replied, “wouldn’t you fess up?”

Some backstory. We can’t seem to get the drone to function. I made a misstep along the way. The mechanical engineer seemed irritated at this, but said no more. I didn’t apologize or say the miscalculation was on me, either.

What should I do? I don’t think landing the drone on my ankle was an accident. The ME weakly apologized and wondered jokingly if I’d report him. I said no and laughed the incident off. The EE didn’t say anything and witnessed the entire flight and “landing.”

Is this a bizarre form of workplace bullying? Should I “kill the ME with kindness?” Ignore the ME? Or something else?

I’d appreciate recommendations from the community. I’m too close to the situation. I can hear the propellers whirring.

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Lia BlokhuisJune 30,2023 at 12:38PM UTC
I'd let the first time slide, and give him the benefit of the doubt that it was an accident (even if you suspect it's not). Do they know about your disability?
Also, why didn't you let them know that you'd made an error in calculation? There is no shame in an honest mistake, but make extra sure to verify your work in the future. I find that being a woman in a traditionally male-dominared field puts extra pressure on us to "prove" our skills (it's not right, but it is what it is).
Either way, be the adult in this situation, if it happens again, call him out directly. Hope this is helpful. :-)
Rt WlJune 30,2023 at 12:56PM UTC
There were problems with this drone. I can fully believe it was difficult to control. Three people in a confined room with a DRONE: pretty darn likely someone would get hit. Don't even consider the idea that it was done on purpose. This was not a sanctioned test run or wise experiment. It shouldn't go on the drone operator's record for normal flying, but the incident should inform all operators that flying the drone inside could hurt people (or expensive printers/plotters/equipment, too).
AnonymousJuly 3,2023 at 12:22PM UTC
All in the situation sounds like everyone involved was irresponsible. You do NOT test an unproven machine in a small space with expensive equipment and people involved (what if it had been someone’s eyes??? Seriously all three of you are idiots if you did not take proper precautions — safety glasses, space etc)
As professionally engineers in my company must keep records and sometimes videos of tests to be logical about it all. To fix and improve.
You need to tell your manager — of the testing and the errors/learnings, and the accident You are lucky this is all that happened
The testing procedures, the lack of judgements and your accident are all three separate events and each needs to be managed.
And based on your email all of you need to be managed. This is not your money but your company’s. Honest and well intentioned employees will report it
AnonymousJuly 1,2023 at 5:14PM UTC
Did this require medical attention, or are you concerned it was intentional, possibly leading to further harassment? If you needed medical attention, that should be covered by worker's comp, which would REQUIRE you to report it. When I read this, my question was, "He was operating a drone in a small enclosed place. What could possibly go wrong?" At best, it is an unfortunate accident. At worst, since he is a licensed pilot, it was irresponsible.
AnonymousJuly 2,2023 at 5:25PM UTC
I think you should speak to HR about the incident and then ask them for their opinion. Go softly into the discussion and ask them for their help in how to assure there are not issues going forward with either physical things or other. I hope you feel better soon.
AnonymousJuly 3,2023 at 12:30AM UTC
They sound like jerks
Liz MilneJuly 3,2023 at 12:51AM UTC
The ME was in the wrong for landing the drone anywhere near you, but I do wonder if they had worked out that you were the cause of the issues and was mad because you didn't own it. In a small team, one person hiding their errors from the other team members isn't really possible, and can cause a rift in the working relationship...
To reiterate - even if that was the cause, it was completely unacceptable to fly the drone into you on purpose. If it was a genuine accident... idk...
Pamela PattonJuly 3,2023 at 3:18PM UTC
Drones can hurt people — badly! Everyone makes mistakes and miscalculations, so banish that thought. If the ME flies it near you indoors, he knows he's in violation. If he does it again, damn well report him.