The use of simulation for developing safe workstation designs for mechanical power presses

Simulation can provide a nonhazardous method for testing various equipment designs before selecting an option for implementation. A power press simulator was developed to evaluate workstation design options for foot switch and dual palm button actuation devices. Two experiments were performed with the simulator, reproducing several causal events that can result in amputations on mechanical power presses. Safety implications for workstation designers are discussed, as well as general considerations on the use of simulation for achieving a design that is as safe as possible.