A machine operator safety system for selectively providing hydraulic power to a boom assembly of an aerial device upon attaching a lanyard. The machine operator safety system comprises a set of upper boom controls within the utility platform, a lanyard anchor housing with a lanyard anchor therein, an actuator for selectively positioning the lanyard anchor housing in either a first position or a second position, and a hydraulic valve. When the lanyard anchor housing is in the first position, which conceals the lanyard anchor, the hydraulic valve blocks the flow of hydraulic power to the set of upper boom controls. When the lanyard anchor housing is in the second position, which exposes the lanyard anchor for attachment of the lanyard, the hydraulic valve directs the flow of hydraulic power to the set of upper boom controls.