A worker who performs tasks at a workbench, typically in manufacturing or craft production.
From 'bench' (a sturdy work table) and 'man' (a male worker). Emerged in the 19th century as industrial manufacturing required specialized workers stationed at fixed workstations.
Benchmen were the invisible backbone of the Industrial Revolution—while factory owners got famous, these skilled craftspeople perfected techniques at their benches that made mass production possible.
'-man' suffix historically defaults to male reference even in neutral contexts. Modern usage increasingly recognizes this as excluding or marginalizing non-male participants in the same roles.
Use 'benchperson' or 'bench operator' to include all genders.
["benchperson","bench operator","bench technician"]
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