Industrial work environments, ranging from commercial kitchens to laboratories and assembly lines, are fast-paced, demanding, and often physically demanding. While much attention is given to machinery and automation, hardware design plays a crucial role in shaping the efficiency, safety, and comfort of these workplaces.
One key factor that often goes underappreciated is ergonomics.
In this blog, we’ll explore what ergonomic hardware design means in an industrial context, what types of products it applies to, and how OEMs and facility managers can prioritize ergonomics in their equipment choices.
What Is Ergonomic Hardware Design?
Ergonomic hardware design refers to the process of creating hardware components—such as handles, levers, valves, and drawer mechanisms—that fit the natural movements and limitations of the human body.
In industrial settings, this includes:
- Reducing repetitive motion injuries
- Lowering physical exertion and fatigue
- Preventing awkward hand or body positioning
- Improving operator accuracy and control
- Supporting accessibility for a diverse range of users
In environments where tasks are repeated hundreds or thousands of times daily, small design improvements in hardware can translate to major gains in productivity, safety, and employee well-being.
Why Ergonomics Matters in Industrial Hardware
Unlike office environments, industrial workspaces often involve:
- High-frequency physical tasks
- Exposure to heat, vibration, or moisture
- Use of tools and equipment under time pressure
- Manual handling of heavy or repetitive components
In these contexts, poorly designed hardware can contribute to:
- Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs)
- Slower task performance
- Increased error rates
- Higher absenteeism or turnover
- Difficulty training or retaining staff
Investing in ergonomically designed hardware helps mitigate these risks. More importantly, it supports the human factor in industrial performance, making it easier for employees to do their best work with less strain.
Key Features of Ergonomic Hardware
Let’s explore some of the specific features that define ergonomic hardware in commercial and industrial applications.
1. Grippable, Contoured Handles
Examples: Faucet handles, equipment levers, latches, drawer pulls
Ergonomic Features:
- Rounded edges that fit comfortably in the palm
- Textured or rubberized grips for slip resistance
- Designs that minimize wrist twisting or excessive grip force
- Clear open/close visual indicators
In a commercial kitchen, a faucet with an oversized blade handle allows staff to operate it with a single elbow or gloved hand, reducing contact points and effort.
2. Accessible Controls and Levers
Examples: Valves, gas shut-offs, foot pedals, knobs
Ergonomic Features:
- Large, intuitive movement ranges (e.g., quarter-turn)
- Placement within natural reach zones
- Color-coded or tactile feedback for correct use
- Options for hand-free operation (e.g., foot pedals)
A foot-operated faucet lets medical professionals or foodservice workers maintain hygiene without bending, twisting, or contaminating surfaces.
3. Soft-Close and Assistive Mechanisms
Examples: Drawer slides, lid lifts, door closers
Ergonomic Features:
- Dampened or spring-assisted closing
- Reduced effort to push or pull heavy equipment
- Smooth, low-resistance operation
In a refrigerated prep station, soft-close drawer slides minimize slamming and reduce noise, while requiring less physical force to operate.
- Adjustable Mounting and Custom Placement
Examples: Shelving hardware, workstation components, wall-mounted controls
Ergonomic Features:
- Mounting systems that allow for height or angle adjustment
- Flexible positioning for left- or right-handed use
- Custom brackets or plates for unique equipment layouts
Adjustable pre-rinse faucets can be mounted at a height and angle that minimizes shoulder strain for different users.
- Low-Force Activation Components
Examples: Push buttons, switchgear, latch releases
Ergonomic Features:
- Activation with minimal pressure
- Clear tactile or audible feedback
- Large surface area to reduce misactivation
In cold environments where gloves are worn, hardware with oversized push plates or large, clearly marked buttons improves usability and safety.
Industries That Benefit from Ergonomic Hardware
CHG serves a wide range of industries where ergonomic design contributes to better outcomes:
Foodservice & Hospitality
- High repetition and multitasking require intuitive, easily cleanable hardware.
- CHG’s Encore faucets, blade handles, and pre-rinse units are engineered for heavy use, featuring ergonomic actuation and hygienic design.
Medical & Laboratory Environments
- Operators must maintain sterile conditions while minimizing physical strain.
- Foot-operated valves, smooth-opening drawers, and cleanable surfaces improve safety and efficiency.
Manufacturing & Industrial Workstations
- Operators frequently engage in tasks that involve heavy, repetitive motion.
- Equipment legs, drawer assemblies, and access panels with assistive features reduce fatigue and risk of injury.
Cold Storage & Refrigeration
- Gloves, moisture, and temperature extremes make hardware harder to use.
- Handles and latches designed for easy operation even in sub-zero environments.
CHG’s Approach to Ergonomic Hardware
At Component Hardware Group, ergonomic design is a core element of our product development process. We understand that hardware is something people interact with daily. That’s why we focus on:
- Human-Centered Design
We consider real-world use cases, user feedback, and safety during the design phase. - Field-Validated Performance
Our hardware is tested for ease of use, durability, and fatigue resistance in the environments for which it’s intended. - OEM Collaboration
We collaborate with manufacturers to design and develop custom assemblies that incorporate ergonomic features, simplifying both installation and maintenance. - Customization for Use Case
Through our Custom Assemblies division, we tailor components such as valves, drawer slides, and handles to meet specific ergonomic needs.
Why OEMs Should Prioritize Ergonomics
For OEMs designing equipment for high-use environments, ergonomics is a competitive advantage. Here’s why:
- Improved Operator Satisfaction
Equipment that’s easier to use leads to happier, more productive employees. - Fewer Service Calls
Ergonomic hardware is often designed with better materials and smoother operation, reducing failure rates. - Compliance with Health & Safety Guidelines
Even without referencing standards, good ergonomic design reduces workplace strain and injury. - Differentiation in the Market
Ergonomic details make your product more attractive to buyers who prioritize user experience.
Whether you’re building a medical workstation, a quick-service kitchen line, or a cold storage unit, incorporating ergonomic hardware improves outcomes across the board.
Final Thoughts: Build Equipment People Want to Use
When hardware is thoughtfully designed for the people who use it, everything works better. There will be faster setups, safer tasks, and fewer injuries. It makes operations more effective.
From faucet handles to drawer assemblies, ergonomic hardware helps industrial environments run more smoothly, last longer, and operate more safely.
If you’re looking to improve your product designs with user-friendly, commercial-grade hardware, CHG can help. Our ergonomic solutions are built for real-world use and real-world results.
