Exploring the Implications of Digital Tools for Participatory Ergonomics: Reflections Based on Three Case Studies

The integration of innovative technologies into occupational health and ergonomics offers significant potential to enhance workplace safety and well-being. These technologies provide new opportunities for participatory approaches, yet their practical impact remains understudied. This study examines the implementation of the Ergonom.io digital tool across three industrial case studies, providing insights into how such technologies influence participatory ergonomics processes. The findings reveal that the use of the tool significantly enhanced stakeholder participation in the ergonomic assessment and improvement process through several distinct mechanisms. These include enhanced visualization, data-driven decision-making, and improved stakeholder collaboration. The findings highlight both opportunities and challenges in using digital tools to facilitate participatory ergonomics, including their impact on stakeholder communication, and integration into existing workplace practices. This research contributes to understanding the role of digital technologies in fostering meaningful participation in workplace ergonomics, offering practical implications for the development and implementation of similar tools in industrial settings.