Harvey was a NASA fellow in graduate school and began his career as a research scientist with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), where he directed research programs. He later co-owned Safety Sciences, Inc., conducting government- and industry-funded research on ergonomics and safety that formed the basis for several national safety standards governing powered industrial trucks, ingress and egress of tractor-trailers, and slip and fall prevention in the nation’s workplaces. In 1988 he founded Cohen & Associates., which became Error Analysis, Inc. a company through which he became one of the most experienced forensic human factors practitioners in North America. 

Dr. Cohen authored numerous scientific and technical publications, including several books on forensic human factors and safety practice. He also played an important role in professional leadership and standards development, serving within the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and helping establish the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics and the Foundation for Professional Ergonomics. In addition to his research and consulting work, Dr. Cohen was an active mentor, advising students and early-career professionals entering the field. 

Dr. Cohen’s career reflected a lifelong commitment to applying human factors science to the prevention of injury and the improvement of safety in workplaces, products, and public environments.