Hmmmmmm, not my department but...
+1 for the idea of being able to craft with materials AROUND the bench. IE: Resources in top shelf, or right beside the bench, or in the crate placed beside the bench.
Only down side though is people using up the resources ACCIDENTALLY placed around your bench not knowing that they could be used. You might end up using someone's private stash (ie: your buddies/team leader's resources) So, might be abusable unless some sort of multiple checks are made -> Container is unlocked, has resources, blah blah.
Resources on top shelf only though? Hmm +1