Abstract: An optical-scanning system including a laser, a multi-faceted, rotational scanning mirror, and system-monitoring laser safety structure operatively and informationally connected respectively to the laser and to the mirror and the drive motor for the mirror for altering the effective power output of the laser in response to current operational status of the system as determined by current operational status of the rotating mirror. The safety structure enforces on the laser a duty cycle of operation which is less than 100-percent, causes the laser to power down to a low "sleep" operating level at times other than during a normal scanning sweep, de-powers the laser entirely if either the drive motor for the mirror is not enabled or the rotational speed of the mirror is below full normal operating speed, and also positively de-powers the laser when a user shuts down the system.