What the New Bonus Really Means—and What Companies Should Keep in Mind
Starting July 1, 2026, the German Construction Industry Workers' Compensation Association (BG BAU) will expand its funding program: For the first time, the use of drones as a workplace safety measure will receive financial support.
For construction companies, roofers, and scaffolding contractors, this opens up new possibilities—but it also raises important questions: When is the subsidy really worth it? And what are the key considerations when using drones in business operations?
What exactly does BG BAU support?
The new occupational safety bonus consists of several components:
- Purchase of Drones
- Obtaining the EU Drone Pilot License
- Registration with the Federal Aviation Authority
The maximum grant is up to 2,000 € per year per member business.
Important: The subsidy is contribution-based and earmarked for a specific purpose.
Why Drones Are Being Promoted in the Construction Industry
The rationale is clear: Drones help make dangerous tasks safer.
Typical applications include:
- Roof and Facade Inspections
- Construction Site Documentation
- Inspection of hard-to-reach areas
- Inspection of PV Systems
The key advantage:
Employees are less likely to have to work in hazardous environments such as roofs or scaffolding.
What Companies Should Definitely Keep in Mind
The funding is often presented in a simplified manner. In practice, however, there are clear requirements:
1. Focus on Occupational Safety
The drone must be demonstrably used to improve occupational safety.
2. Target Group: BG-BAU members
Only companies that are members of BG BAU may apply for the grant.
3. No flat-rate subsidy
“Up to €2,000” means: The actual subsidy amount depends on the contribution and the investment.
4. Application Required
Funding is not granted automatically; you must actively apply for it.
How Droniq Supports Businesses
Droniq supports companies throughout the entire lifecycle of their drone operations:
- Training & Certification (e.g., A2 Remote Pilot Certificate)
- Consulting on Operational Concepts and Processes
- Support with regulatory requirements and approvals
- Safe operations in airspace, e.g., using the TraX situational awareness system
The goal:
Not just purchasing drones—but using them efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations.
Conclusion on BG BAU's Drone Support Program
BG BAU’s new drone funding program is an important step toward greater safety and digitalization in the construction industry. It creates incentives for investment—but does not replace the necessary planning and implementation.
Companies that make strategic use of this funding can make their processes not only more secure but also more efficient.
The key lies in the right combination of technology, expertise, and integration.
