7 Ergonomics Books That Elevate Your Workplace Wellness

Discover 7 Ergonomics Books written by leading experts like Erik Peper Ph.D. and Dan MacLeod, offering proven strategies for health and productivity

Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if the way you sit, type, or even craft was silently eroding your health and focus? Ergonomics isn't just about comfort—it's a science rooted in understanding human interaction with environments and tools to prevent injury and enhance wellbeing. Today, as technology and varied work styles evolve, mastering ergonomics is more crucial than ever.

The books featured here are authored by specialists like Erik Peper Ph.D., whose research bridges holistic health and technology use, and Dan MacLeod, with over 35 years of direct workplace ergonomic experience. These authors bring deep practical knowledge and scientific rigor, ensuring you access strategies that matter and stand the test of research and real-world application.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific workspace, craft, or therapy needs might consider creating a personalized Ergonomics book that builds on these insights. Such customization helps bridge expert knowledge with your unique goals and challenges.

Best for managing tech-related ergonomic stress
Erik Peper, PhD, Professor of Holistic Health Studies at San Francisco State University and President of the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe, brings authoritative expertise to this exploration of technology's impact on health. His recognition with the 2004 California Governor's Safety Award for Healthy Computing underscores his deep commitment to improving how we interact with digital tools. This book reflects his extensive research and offers you grounded strategies to navigate the challenges of modern tech use while fostering physical and mental resilience.
Tech Stress: How Technology is Hijacking Our Lives, Strategies for Coping, and Pragmatic Ergonomics book cover

by Erik Peper Ph.D., Richard Harvey PH.D., Nancy Faass MSW MPH··You?

2020·400 pages·Ergonomics, Stress Management, Health, Productivity, Workplace Wellness

Drawing from decades of research in holistic health and biofeedback, Erik Peper and his co-authors examine how our evolutionary instincts collide with modern technology, leading to stress and physical ailments. You’ll learn how to recognize and counteract the traps of constant connectivity—like brain drain and Zoom fatigue—while optimizing your workspace with ergonomic principles that reduce strain and improve posture. The book offers specific strategies to manage screen time and combat the physical and mental toll of tech overload, making it a practical guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by digital demands. If you’re seeking ways to regain control over your health and focus in a plugged-in world, this book lays out clear methods without overpromising miracles.

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Best for practical workplace ergonomics
Dan MacLeod is an expert in ergonomics with over 35 years of practical problem-solving experience in more than 1,500 workplaces. His work focuses on improving productivity and safety through effective ergonomic practices. MacLeod's insights are drawn from real-life applications, making his guidance both practical and accessible for professionals in various fields.
2017·196 pages·Ergonomics, Productivity, Workplace Safety, Workstation Design, Task Evaluation

Drawing from 35 years of hands-on experience across over 1,500 workplaces, Dan MacLeod offers a grounded exploration of ergonomics that goes beyond theory. You’ll learn how to evaluate and improve work tasks using both creative, low-tech approaches and when to apply precise measurement tools like RULA and the Strain Index. The book balances practical problem-solving with updated examples and clear "how to" guides, such as designing effective workstations. It’s particularly useful if you’re involved in workplace safety, production efficiency, or operational ergonomics, offering insights that help you enhance productivity without compromising safety.

Published by CRC Press
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Best for custom comfort plans
This AI-created book on ergonomic health is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific comfort needs. By sharing your current challenges and goals, you receive a tailored guide that focuses exactly on the ergonomic adjustments and pain-reduction techniques relevant to you. Unlike general texts, this book navigates the complexities of ergonomics through the lens of your unique situation, making it easier to apply expert knowledge in ways that truly improve your daily life.
2025·50-300 pages·Ergonomics, Pain Reduction, Workplace Setup, Posture Correction, Comfort Optimization

This tailored book explores ergonomics with a focus on creating custom plans that improve your comfort and reduce pain based on your unique needs. It examines how personalized ergonomic adjustments can enhance your daily activities, workplace setup, and overall wellbeing by addressing your specific goals and background. The book delves into human-centered design principles and practical adaptations to fit your lifestyle, offering a pathway through complex expert knowledge in a way that matches your interests. By providing a tailored synthesis of ergonomic science, it reveals pathways to lasting health and comfort, making the learning experience deeply relevant and engaging.

Tailored Guide
Ergonomic Personalization
3,000+ Books Created
Best for ergonomic crafting techniques
Rose Parr has made it her mission to stay pain free while continuing to sew for as long as possible. Combining her studies in home economics with certifications in ergonomics, fitness, wellness, and nutrition, she teaches how to sew smart. Her expertise informs this guide to maintaining health and comfort for makers, blending practical stretches and posture advice with insights from leading quilters.
2021·80 pages·Ergonomics, Health, Wellness, Posture, Stretching

Rose Parr's decades-long dedication to ergonomics and wellness shines through in this focused guide for makers who spend hours crafting. Drawing from her certifications in ergonomics, fitness, wellness, and nutrition, she offers practical insights on maintaining proper posture, using effective techniques, and incorporating stretches that prevent pain during sewing marathons. The book includes visual guides, healthy recipes, and tips from industry experts, making it a valuable companion for anyone looking to sustain their creative work without physical strain. If you often find yourself sore after long crafting sessions, this book provides clear methods to keep both your body and mind in good shape.

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Best for workplace safety and design
The Eastman Kodak Company, a pioneer in imaging and industrial safety since the early 20th century, brings unmatched expertise to this seminal work on ergonomics. With a history of establishing safety committees, medical departments, and leading ergonomic research since 1960, Kodak’s commitment to health and operational excellence shines through. This book distills decades of research and practical application into a resource designed to improve workplace conditions and employee performance, making it a distinguished authority in ergonomic design for professionals and organizations alike.
Kodak's Ergonomic Design for People at Work book cover

by The Eastman Kodak Company··You?

2003·736 pages·Ergonomics, Occupational Psychology, Workplace Design, Equipment Design, Manual Handling

Kodak's decades of industrial health and safety expertise laid the foundation for this detailed exploration of workplace ergonomics that goes beyond theory to proven practices. You learn how to assess job demands, design equipment and environments, and improve manual handling—all backed by extensive illustrations and real-world case studies. This book suits anyone responsible for workplace safety or efficiency, especially those without formal ergonomics training who want practical, tested methods. For example, its breakdown of human reliability and information transfer offers insights directly applicable to reducing errors on the job. If you’re looking for a resource that balances technical depth with usability, this serves that purpose well.

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Best for understanding human-system ergonomics
R. S. Bridger is a recognized authority in human factors and ergonomics, with extensive experience in research and education. His work focuses on the practical application of ergonomic principles to improve safety and efficiency across various environments. This book reflects his deep expertise, offering you a structured approach to understanding human-machine systems and the tools needed to address real-world ergonomic challenges.
2017·770 pages·Ergonomics, Human Factors, Systems Integration, Safety, Human-Machine Interaction

R. S. Bridger draws from decades of research and teaching in human factors and ergonomics to frame this book as a methodical exploration of how humans interact with machines and systems. By structuring chapters around a human-machine model and integrating a knowledge application framework, you gain a clear view of core concepts alongside practical tools and processes that apply across industries. The inclusion of over 200 exercises and 'HFE Workshop' sections means you don’t just read theory—you engage with real-world examples to understand system integration challenges. If you're aiming to deepen your grasp of ergonomic principles for improving safety and efficiency, this text offers thorough coverage without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for rapid ergonomic resets
This custom AI book on ergonomics reset is created based on your current workspace, habits, and specific goals. By sharing your background and the areas you want to improve, you receive a focused book that addresses exactly how to reduce strain and enhance productivity in a way that fits your unique situation. Personalization matters here because no two workspaces or routines are the same, so this book cuts through general advice to give you targeted, practical steps.
2025·50-300 pages·Ergonomics, Ergonomics Basics, Posture Improvement, Workspace Setup, Movement Patterns

This tailored book explores rapid, personalized changes designed to reduce physical strain and boost productivity in your daily work routine. It covers ergonomic principles with a keen focus on your unique workspace setup, habits, and specific challenges. By examining how subtle adjustments can make a big impact, it reveals practical pathways tailored to your background and goals. The book delves into optimizing posture, equipment positioning, and movement patterns, providing a clear, actionable roadmap for transformation. Its personalized content ensures you engage deeply with topics most relevant to your needs, making the learning experience both efficient and impactful.

Tailored Guide
Ergonomic Adjustment
3,000+ Books Created
Best for handknitting ergonomic health
Carson Demers is a physical therapist who combines his extensive expertise in ergonomics with a deep passion for knitting. His unique background empowers him to address the specific physical challenges knitters face, offering guidance that bridges clinical insight and craft experience. Alongside illustrator Susan Szecsi, the book provides clear visual instructions designed to make knitting safer and more comfortable, appealing to anyone eager to maintain their knitting practice without pain.
Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting book cover

by Carson Demers, Susan Szecsi··You?

249 pages·Ergonomics, Physical Therapy, Injury Prevention, Hand Health, Self Care

Carson Demers leverages his background as a physical therapist to explore the specific ergonomic challenges faced by handknitters, providing insights grounded in both clinical knowledge and personal passion. The book guides you through identifying common risk factors that cause discomfort or injury during knitting, with practical guidance on stretches, exercises, and self-care routines to manage and prevent pain. You'll also find detailed advice on when to seek professional help, making it especially useful if you've experienced or want to avoid repetitive strain. This approach suits knitters who want to sustain their craft comfortably over time, balancing productivity with physical well-being.

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Best for injury prevention in manual therapy
Lauriann Greene, CEAS, has been a dedicated researcher and advocate for injury prevention among manual therapists since 1995. With academic credentials from Brown and Harvard and professional training from Seattle Massage School, she combines rigorous study with practical experience. Her work, including co-authoring the first comprehensive statistical study on massage therapist injuries, laid the foundation for this book. Greene’s workshops and consulting emphasize reducing workplace injuries, making this guide an authoritative resource for anyone relying on hands-on health professions.
Save Your Hands!: The Complete Guide to Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists book cover

by Lauriann Greene, Richard W. Goggins, Janet M. Peterson··You?

2008·333 pages·Ergonomics, Injury Prevention, Body Mechanics, Workspace Design, Physical Conditioning

After decades of research and hands-on experience, Lauriann Greene and her co-authors provide a focused manual on injury prevention tailored specifically for manual therapists. You’ll learn how to optimize your workspace design, apply alternative techniques that protect vulnerable joints, and maintain physical conditioning that supports long-term career health. The book breaks down complex ergonomics principles into accessible strategies, such as how to recognize early injury signs and intervene before problems escalate. If you rely on your hands and body for your profession, this guide offers the practical insights needed to safeguard your physical well-being and sustain your practice.

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Conclusion

Across these seven books, a clear theme emerges: ergonomics is both an art and a science that requires practical solutions grounded in human-centered research. Whether you're battling digital fatigue, designing safer workstations, or seeking craft-specific body care, these works guide you through evidence-based approaches to protect and optimize your body.

If you're navigating repetitive strain or workplace injury risks, start with 'Save Your Hands!' and 'Kodak's Ergonomic Design for People at Work' for targeted injury prevention and environment design. For rapid adjustment to tech-driven stress, 'Tech Stress' pairs well with 'The Rules of Work,' offering both mindset shifts and actionable ergonomics methods.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Ergonomics book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and safeguard your health in any ergonomic context.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with 'The Rules of Work' for practical workplace ergonomics or 'Tech Stress' if technology is your main concern. Both provide clear, actionable guidance to build a strong foundation.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Ergonomics?

No, many like 'Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics' balance theory with accessible examples, making them suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

'Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics' leans toward theory and systemic understanding, while 'The Rules of Work' and 'Save Your Hands!' emphasize practical, hands-on methods.

Do any of these books contradict each other?

While approaches vary, the books complement rather than contradict, offering diverse perspectives—from tech stress management to craft-specific ergonomics—to enrich your understanding.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

'Sew Healthy & Happy' and 'Save Your Hands!' provide immediate stretches and workspace adjustments tailored to specific activities, ideal for quick implementation.

Can personalized books complement these expert titles?

Yes. While these books offer solid expert knowledge, personalized Ergonomics books create a tailored plan that matches your unique environment, goals, and challenges—bridging theory and practice effectively.

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