[oldkim]

It takes 3 things for an accident to happen.

1) A gun
2) loaded gun
3) YOU

So, it is a safety infraction in my book as the person may not be handling that firearm behind you but he'll most likely will. This breaks rules #1 and #2

#1 Always treat a gun as though it's loaded
#2 Always have your muzzle pointed in a safe direction

That muzzle is pointed at ... You or someone else.

Loading on a second bench is not the issue. It having a gun out behind others, regardless if they are handling it or not. It's out and it shouldn't be. It belongs on the firing line or cased where a finger or anything else can't get to it.

So, if you do have a double bench range. Only handle (uncase or even touch your gun) on the firing line bench not the back one.

On another note:
When you open your case - where is that muzzle pointed?
If it's not pointed down range - DON'T touch it.
What to do: It's really simple. Close the case, turn the whole case so the muzzle of the gun is now pointed down range, now open the case and now handle your firearm.