Abstract
The increasing use of plant protection products in modern agriculture requires careful management to minimize risks to human health and the environment. This study evaluated the impact of innovative technologies for applying plant protection products, including modern drones (UAVs), compared to traditional field sprayers, on occupational safety and environmental protection. The FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) method was used to identify and assess hazards through the Risk Priority Number (RPN) indicator. The results showed that conventional sprayers pose higher chemical and contact risks for operators due to direct handling of large quantities of pesticides. Drones significantly reduce operator exposure but introduce new technical and organizational hazards, such as equipment malfunctions, flight control issues, or adverse weather conditions. Key preventive measures include the use of personal protective equipment, adherence to safety procedures, regular calibration and technical inspections, and monitoring of environmental conditions. The findings indicate that combining modern technologies with strict safety procedures can effectively reduce chemical exposure and environmental impact while addressing new risks associated with UAV use.