1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B): Unqualified Workers Near Overhead Lines
When an unqualified person works on the ground near overhead lines, the person may not bring any conductive object closer to unguarded, energized overhead lines than the distances in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A). Objects without an insulating rating for the voltage are treated as conductive.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $59,022 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (2), NJ (1), AR (1).
- Related part: 1910.333(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts (200 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B) is one requirement inside 1910.333 Selection and use of work practices, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(B) When an unqualified person is working on the ground in the vicinity of overhead lines, the person may not bring any conductive object closer to unguarded, energized overhead lines than the distances given in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section. 10 citations
For voltages normally encountered with overhead power lines, objects which do not have an insulating rating for the voltage involved are considered to be conductive.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B).
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on December 8, 2024, an employee was delivering cattle feed at a private farm and operating the bulk feed truck discharge auger from the front ground controls. While raising and turning the discharge auger toward the rear of the truck, the…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NY (2), NJ (1), AR (1), MA (1), IA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| OSMOSE UTILITIES SERVICES, INC. | WEST HELENA, AR | $21,508 |
| SEPCO, INC. | ALPINE, NY | $9,500 |
| DRIFTWOOD NURSERY & LANDSCAPING, INC | MARCO ISLAND, FL | $9,268 |
| 21ST CENTURY COOPERATIVE | CRESTON, IA | $5,750 |
| CRITTER ONE OF HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX | $4,965 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts 200 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3) Overhead lines 110 citations
- 1910.333(c)(2) Work on energized equipment 61 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i) Unqualified persons 46 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(A) 36 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(iii) Vehicular and mechanical equipment 27 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(iii)(A) 26 citations
- 1910.333(c)(7) Portable ladders 11 citations
- 1910.333(c)(6) Conductive materials and equipment 10 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What distances apply?
The distances given in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of 1910.333.
Who does this cover?
Unqualified persons working on the ground in the vicinity of overhead lines.
Is a wooden pole conductive?
For voltages normally found on overhead lines, objects without an insulating rating for the voltage are considered conductive.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.333 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-22
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.