This paper synthesizes the current literature on industrial-use, active and passive upper-limb exoskeletons, as an aid to health and safety specialists, ergonomics practitioners, and policy-makers that may be considering or regulating their use. Reported here are the effects of exoskeleton use on muscular activity; endurance and fatigue; kinematics and range of motion; productivity and quality; discomfort and pain; and usability and subjective feedback. A moderate level of evidence emerged, supporting the efficacy of passive upper limb exoskeletons in reducing muscular demands on the anterior and middle deltoid during occupational tasks, primarily those tasks involving overhead work. Given the nascence of research in this area, however, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of active upper limb exoskeletons. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the effectiveness of passive exoskeleton use to reduce musculoskeletal disorder risk, particularly for overhead work. However, more research on the efficacy of active exoskeletons is recommended prior to field trials.

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