How is the interaction between machine operators and machinery considered?

The consideration of the interaction between machine operator and machine is critical to safety. Ergonomics has received special attention in the new directive with a specific section laying out the requirements. There is now a strongly defined requirement on machine designers to give more consideration to this aspect of major importance to the machine operators. In this respect the safety concepts selected to reduce the risk to workers from a contact with moving parts of machinery can have a serious impact. Physical guarding may significantly impact

• how a worker interacts with a machine
• the repetitive effort used by workers
• the audible and visual sensory feedback provided to the operator

Effective risk assessment followed by the generation of intelligent safety concepts can significantly benefit the ergonomic design of machines.