Designing arcade machines requires meticulous attention to player safety through multiple engineering and design approaches. The primary consideration involves ergonomic design to prevent repetitive strain injuries, requiring properly angled screens, comfortably positioned control interfaces, and appropriate seating heights. Electrical safety constitutes another critical factor, necessitating proper insulation, secure wiring systems, and thermal protection mechanisms to prevent electrical hazards.

Structural integrity must be ensured through robust construction materials, rounded corners to minimize impact injuries, and stable cabinet designs that prevent tipping. For younger players, additional safety measures include designing control panels with smaller hand spans in mind and ensuring accessibility for various physical abilities. Hygiene considerations have become increasingly important, requiring antimicrobial surfaces and easily cleanable components to maintain sanitary conditions.

Manufacturers must comply with international safety standards such as IEC 60335 for electrical safety and ASTM F2974 for amusement device safety. Regular maintenance protocols should be designed into the machine's architecture, with easily accessible components for service technicians while maintaining user-inaccessible dangerous parts. These comprehensive safety approaches ensure that arcade machines provide entertainment without compromising player wellbeing.