Practical ergonomics design guidelines and checklists to help engineers and designers reduce risk and improve performance from concept to implementation.

Ergonomics Resource Guide Portfolio for Engineers & Designers

The Center has developed a comprehensive Ergonomics Resource Guide Portfolio to support engineers and designers in specifying both physical and cognitive ergonomics parameters for new and existing designs.

These resources help ensure that ergonomics is systematically integrated into the design process—reducing risk, improving usability, and supporting long-term performance.

Ergonomics Design Parameters Covered

The guide portfolio includes key ergonomics characteristics essential to high-quality design:

• Anthropometry
• Human strength capabilities
• Manual materials handling
• Product design
• Workplace design
• Cognitive work design
• Environmental guidelines

These parameters support safer, more efficient interaction between people, tools, equipment, and work environments.

Risk-Based Ergonomics Design Checklists

The portfolio is supplemented by a structured ergonomics design checklist that systematically guides engineers and designers through critical ergonomics considerations during the design process.

Each design element is categorized using a Green / Yellow / Red system based on the likelihood of significant ergonomic risk:

• Green: Low ergonomic risk
• Yellow: Moderate ergonomic concern
• Red: High ergonomic risk requiring attention

This risk-based categorization enables faster decision-making and clearer prioritization during the design process.

Built on the Latest Ergonomics Research

This ergonomics design guide portfolio and checklist packet combines the most current physical and cognitive ergonomics research available today.

It was developed through a unique collaboration involving:

• Researchers from multiple leading universities
• Certified Professional Ergonomists (CPEs) from three consulting firms
• Highly experienced practitioners in private industry

This multidisciplinary approach ensures the tools are both scientifically sound and practically applicable.

How These Tools Support Your Organization

Engineering Guidelines and Checklists help organizations:

• Reduce ergonomic risk early in the design process
• Improve product and workplace usability
• Minimize costly redesigns and retrofits
• Support safety, quality, and productivity goals
• Standardize ergonomics decision-making across teams
• Strengthen documentation for compliance and due diligence

Who Benefits from Engineering Guidelines & Checklists

• Design engineers
• Manufacturing engineers
• Industrial engineers
• Product developers
• Process engineers
• Safety and EHS professionals
• Project managers

How Engineering Guidelines Integrate with Other Services

These tools integrate seamlessly with Ergonomics Program Development, Industrial Evaluations, Solutions Pilot Testing, and Continuous Improvement Events to ensure ergonomics is addressed from design through implementation.