Human-Centered Safety and Ergonomic Design for Women in High-Risk Industrial Occupations: A Systematic Review within Intelligent Systems Context

Abstract

Women’s participation in high-risk sectors such as mining, construction, transportation, and healthcare continues to increase, yet industrial safety and ergonomics remain dominated by gender-neutral design assumptions. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on physical, psychosocial, and organizational challenges faced by women in hazardous environments through a human-cantered systems lens. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 24 peer-reviewed studies (2010–2025) from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were analyzed. The literature highlights exposure to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), PPE mismatch, postural load, and inequitable access to safety resources. Thematic analysis reveals that ergonomic inequalities intersect with exclusion from safety training and organizational barriers in risk management. Findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches integrating ergonomics, intelligent systems, and gender studies to enable safer and more inclusive workplaces for women in high-risk occupations. © 2026 The Authors.