The Power of Listening: How Co-Design with Workers Builds Safer Equipment

What happens when you let workers design the tools they use every day? Productivity improves. Injuries drop. And equipment adoption soars.

This is the premise behind co-design, or participatory ergonomics. It’s a method that directly involves workers in shaping the equipment, workflows, and environments they interact with. It acknowledges that frontline workers are the most qualified to spot inefficiencies, awkward tasks, and dangerous lift points.

Co-design is backed by strong evidence. A meta-analysis published in Applied Ergonomics found that participatory ergonomics programs reduced musculoskeletal risk by up to 50% in some industries. In Australia, large utilities and manufacturers have successfully used worker-led design workshops to develop safer trolleys, toolkits, and lifting frames.

Examples include modifying HVAC transport carts for uneven terrain, developing stone benchtop lifters that account for edge fragility, and adapting lifting aids for confined construction zones. These aren’t off the shelf purchases - they’re tailored solutions developed through observation, collaboration, and rapid prototyping.

The benefits go beyond safety. Workers feel heard. They’re more likely to use the equipment properly. And companies see faster adoption and return on investment.

At MAGO Technologies, we believe safety design starts with the people who use the equipment. Our consultation process includes on-site assessments, sketching sessions, and testing rounds with workers at every stage.

Conclusion: When you build with your workforce instead of for them, you create solutions that actually solve problems. Co-design doesn’t just build better equipment - it builds a better workplace.