--- title: "Engineering Controls in Ergonomics: Step-by-Step Guide for Workplaces" description: Discover the five essential steps to develop and implement ergonomic engineering controls for a safer and more productive workplace. image: https://news.briotix.com/hubfs/blog-engineering-controls-in-ergonomics.webp --- [![Briotix Health Company Logo A Registered Trademark](https://news.briotix.com/hubfs/BH%20logo.png) ](https://www.briotix.com/) - Solutions - [Industrial Sports Medicine™ ](https://www.briotix.com/industrial-sports-medicine) - [Ergonomics ](https://www.briotix.com/ergonomics) - [Return to Work ](https://www.briotix.com/return-to-work) - [Functional Employment Testing ](https://www.briotix.com/employment-testing) - [Clinical Solutions ](https://www.briotix.com/clinical-solutions) - [Technology Solutions ](https://www.briotix.com/technology-solutions) - Benefits - [Why Choose Briotix Health? ](https://www.briotix.com/benefits) - [Success Stories ](https://www.briotix.com/case-studies) - Company & Careers - [Our Story ](https://www.briotix.com/about-us) - [The Briotian Way ](https://www.briotix.com/values) - [Upcoming Events ](https://www.briotix.com/events) - [Press & Media ](https://www.briotix.com/press) - [Careers ](https://www.briotixcareers.com/) - Resources - [Industry News ](https://news.briotix.com) - [Podcasts ](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briotix-health) - [Papers and Research ](https://www.briotix.com/papers-research) - [Webinars ](https://www.briotix.com/webinars) Ergonomics # Engineering Controls in Ergonomics: Step-by-Step Guide for Workplaces Discover the five essential steps to develop and implement ergonomic engineering controls for a safer and more productive workplace. [ Matthew P Fisenne ](https://news.briotix.com/author/matthew-fisenne) Sep 4, 2025 --- When it comes to injury prevention and employee health, few strategies are as effective as engineering controls. Unlike administrative controls (such as rotating shifts) or personal protective equipment, engineering controls focus on redesigning the workplace itself (tools, equipment, and workstations) to better fit the worker. By addressing ergonomic risks at their source, organizations can reduce injuries, prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and create healthier, more productive environments. In this article, we’ll explore the value of engineering controls and explain how any workplace can begin implementing them in five clear steps. ![Employee operating an industrial crane in a factory to lift materials](https://news.briotix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Employee%20operating%20an%20industrial%20crane%20in%20a%20factory%20to%20lift%20materials.webp?width=800&height=500&name=Employee%20operating%20an%20industrial%20crane%20in%20a%20factory%20to%20lift%20materials.webp) ## **What Are Engineering Controls in Ergonomics?** Engineering controls are physical changes to a workplace or task that affect risk factors contributing to injury. In ergonomics, the focus is on designing the job to fit the worker. Examples of engineering controls in ergonomics include: - Mechanical lifting devices to minimize heavy manual handling - Height-adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs - Moving bins closer to the employees and reducing reach distances - Redesigned tools or handles with the ideal diameter to reduce strain on hands and wrists Because they remove risks at the source, these solutions are considered the most effective form of ergonomic intervention. ## **Why Are Engineering Controls Valuable?** The benefits of engineering controls go beyond compliance with safety standards. They provide long-lasting improvements that help both employees and employers: 1. **Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs):** Reducing repetitive strain, awkward postures, and forceful demands helps eliminate common workplace injuries. 2. **Improve Productivity and Quality:** Comfortable, supported workers perform tasks more efficiently with fewer mistakes. 3. **Lower Costs:** Fewer injuries mean fewer workers’ compensation claims, reduced healthcare spending, and less absenteeism. 4. **Boost Morale and Retention:** Employees see ergonomic improvements as a sign the company values their well-being. 5. **Provide Sustainable Solutions:** Engineering controls become part of the workplace design, benefiting everyone long-term. ![Adjustable Height Desk Stand In Office](https://news.briotix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Adjustable%20Height%20Desk%20Stand%20In%20Office.webp?width=800&height=500&name=Adjustable%20Height%20Desk%20Stand%20In%20Office.webp) ## **Five Steps to Introduce Engineering Controls in Any Workplace** The idea of implementing ergonomic solutions can feel overwhelming, but the process can be broken into five manageable steps. Whether you’re in an office, a warehouse, or a manufacturing plant, these steps apply. ### **Step 1: Identify Ergonomic Risks** Start by looking for tasks or workstations that involve: - **Repetitive motions: **typing, assembly work - **Awkward postures:** bending, twisting, reaching overhead - **High force demands: **lifting boxes, pushing/pulling, heavy hand tools - **Prolonged positions:** sitting at a desk or standing at a machine for hours Observation, ergonomic checklists, and employee feedback are all tools for identifying workplace risk factors. Workers often know which tasks cause discomfort, so their involvement in this process is essential. EXAMPLE Warehouse staff may struggle with back strain from lifting heavy boxes and pallets. Office employees might complain of shoulder/neck discomfort from poorly positioned keyboards.   Go in-depth into everything you need to know about the ergonomic risk identification process in our [12-page guide to identifying ergonomic risk factors](https://health.briotix.com/en-us/identify-ergonomic-risk-factors). ### **Step 2: Evaluate and Prioritize** Not all risks can be addressed at once, so it’s important to evaluate which hazards have the biggest impact. Look at: - How many employees are affected? - How severe is the reported discomfort? - How high is the quantified risk? Forming a cross-functional team that includes workers, supervisors, and a safety manager or ergonomist can help ensure the right factors are evaluated when determining priorities. EXAMPLE If many employees report shoulder pain from overhead reaching, that may take priority over minor discomfort caused by outdated tools.   ### **Step 3: Design and Select Engineering Controls** Once priorities are clear, the next step is to choose the right ergonomic solutions for each situation. Engineering solutions for many common ergonomic risk factors include: - Adjustable workstations for seated or standing work - Conveyors to move product instead of manual carrying product - Mechanical hoists, vacuum lifts, or pallet positioners for heavy loads - Ergonomically designed tools to reduce hand and wrist strain It’s important to match solutions to the specific job demands. Buying generic “ergonomic products” without considering their qualities, functionality and benefit may lead to wasted investment. A word of caution: sometimes the description “ergonomic” can be placed onto products to make them more attractive, and also increase the price tag, without necessarily addressing your functional ergonomic needs. EXAMPLE Installing height-adjustable worktables may provide greater benefit than raising or lowering the working height by reducing table height or putting the employee on a platform.   ### **Step 4: Implement and Train** Installing engineering controls is only part of the process. Involving your employees in the brainstorming ensures changes aren’t made to their work areas without their prior knowledge and input. They’ll also need training on how to use the new equipment properly. Clear communication is essential so employees understand the purpose of the changes and how they will enhance comfort and safety. Encourage feedback at this stage to identify whether adjustments are needed. EXAMPLE When a new hoist is going to be installed in an area, employees should be consulted first. This will ensure that the correct equipment gets installed, and that it will cover the proper working area. Training on how to appropriately operate the new equipment is standard and will help ease the transition. * * ### **Step 5: Monitor and Continuously Improve** Engineering controls require ongoing evaluation. Employers should track: - Injury and discomfort reports - Productivity data - Employee feedback If problems remain, controls may need to be adjusted or combined with administrative measures, such as task rotation or scheduled microbreaks. EXAMPLE After installing lifting devices, if employees still report shoulder discomfort, equipment placement or workflow may need to be re-evaluated. * * ## **Building a Safer, Smarter Workplace** Engineering controls in ergonomics are more than just “nice-to-have” improvements. These methods act as essential tools for preventing workplace injuries, improving efficiency, and supporting employee well-being. When work fits the worker, everyone wins.   --- ## Got Ergonomics Questions? We’ve Got Answers. Briotix Health provides [ergonomic services and consulting](https://www.briotix.com/ergonomics) for projects big and small. We help spot potential ergonomic issues in job tasks, measure the level of risk, and offer practical solutions to reduce that risk at scale. Schedule a 30-minute call with our ergonomics experts to discuss your needs! 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Matthew P Fisenne Jan 16, 2025 Ergonomics ### [Workplace Wellness and the Cloud: Ergonomic Software in Four Steps](https://news.briotix.com/embracing-ergo-software) Implementing ergonomic software in the workplace can improve productivity and create safer environments. Learn how to integrate it in five steps and... Matthew P Fisenne Jul 14, 2023 Office Ergonomics ### [Effective Ergonomic Strategies to Prevent Back Pain in the Office](https://news.briotix.com/ergonomic-strategies-to-prevent-back-pain-office) Reduce discomfort at the office with tested strategies to enhance employee well-being and productivity with simple adjustments and ergonomic... Matthew P Fisenne Jan 30, 2025 ### Follow the Briotix Health Blog for New Releases The Briotix Health Blog is your source for new and up-to-date information on industry innovations, in-depth explorations of current topics, and discussions with experts. 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