Abstract: A touch plate switch is used to energize an industrial machine. The switch is closed by mere contact of the touch plate by an operator's hand. No physical movement of the plate is required. As a consequence, the risk of the operator developing carpal tunnel syndrome is substantially eliminated. By providing two such touch plate switches for operating relay switches connected in series, both switches must be simultaneously operated to start the industrial machine. By separating the switches a distance sufficient to prevent operation of both switches by one hand, the operator must use both hands and thereby a further safety feature is realized in that one of the operator's hands will not be inadvertently damaged by the machine.