1926.416(a)(3): Locate Energized Power Circuits Before Work
Before work begins, construction employers must find out by asking, looking or using instruments whether any energized power circuit, exposed or concealed, is located where the work could bring a person, tool or machine into contact with it. Where such a circuit exists, the employer must post and maintain warning signs and tell workers where the lines are, the hazards and the protective measures.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(a)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 134 times in the last 3 years, in 134 inspections, with $587,766 in current penalties.
- 15 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (20), FL (13), MD (12).
- Related part: 1926.416(a) Protection of employees (606 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416(a)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.416 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). 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
(3) Before work is begun the employer shall ascertain by inquiry or direct observation, or by instruments, whether any part of an energized electric power circuit, exposed or concealed, is so located that the performance of the work may bring any person, tool, or machine into physical or electrical contact with the electric power circuit. The employer shall post and maintain proper warning signs where such a circuit exists. The employer shall advise employees of the location of such lines, the hazards involved, and the protective measures to be taken. 134 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Injuries linked to this rule
15 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.416(a)(3).
At 8:30 a.m. on February 25, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were working as carpenters and were installing metal framing on the exterior of a multi-family dwelling. The employees were working from an Articulating Boom Lift when the boom contacted a 7,200-Volt primary overhead…
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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 40 |
Top states: TX (20), FL (13), MD (12), IL (8), PA (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 107019 - KATO ROOFING INC | MANKATO, MN | $26,000 |
| 107649 - GREAT LAKES ROOFING AND SIDING LLC | DULUTH, MN | $25,000 |
| 107646 - THE DREAMERS ROOFING LLC | DULUTH, MN | $25,000 |
| MARROC ROOFING LLC | ROCHESTER, PA | $16,550 |
| SETTLE-MUTER ELECTRIC, LLC | BYESVILLE, OH | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.416(a)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(a) Protection of employees 606 citations
- 1926.416(a)(1) 469 citations
- 1926.416(a)(2) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When must energized circuits be located?
Before work is begun.
How can the employer find energized circuits?
By inquiry, direct observation or instruments, including circuits that are concealed.
What must workers be told?
The location of the lines, the hazards involved and the protective measures to be taken.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.416 (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 2026-10-20
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.