Bending machine and method for processing a workpiece by means of a bending machine

A bending machine which includes a safety-relevant work area in front of the bending machine and configured to allow an operator of the bending machine to be present during its operation, loading, and unloading, the bending machine having a safety module that comprises:

• a safety barrier having first and second ends and which is at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) planar and (ii) plate-shaped, which provides a variable-size lateral shield for the safety-related work area such that a shut-off state and an access state can be generated, wherein in the shut-off state access to the safety-relevant work area is at least partially restricted and wherein in the access state access to the safety-relevant work area is at least partially granted in that the safety-relevant work area is not physically restricted from the front but only from the side, and wherein the lateral shield is a mechanical and/or physical shield comprising a solid material;
• and
• a frame comprising a first linear guide for slidably receiving the first end of the safety barrier and a second linear guide for slidably receiving the second end of the safety barrier such that the safety barrier is retractable into the frame and the safety barrier is extendable from the frame, wherein when the safety barrier is extended the safety barrier extends laterally and telescopically from the frame in a direction away from the bending machine and when the safety barrier is retracted the safety barrier retracts laterally and telescopically into the frame in a direction toward the bending machine.