1926.416(a): Protecting Workers from Electric Power Circuits
Construction employers must not let workers get close enough to contact an electric power circuit unless the circuit is deenergized and grounded or effectively guarded by insulation or other means. Before work begins, the employer must find out where energized circuits are, post warning signs, tell workers the hazards and protections, and give insulated gloves to hand-tool users when underground line locations are unknown.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 606 times in the last 3 years, in 510 inspections, with $3,533,075 in current penalties.
- 24 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (74), MD (53), FL (49).
- Related part: 1926.416(a)(1) (469 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416(a) ("Protection of employees") is one requirement inside 1926.416 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(a) Protection of employees. 606 citations
(1) No employer shall permit an employee to work in such proximity to any part of an electric power circuit that the employee could contact the electric power circuit in the course of work, unless the employee is protected against electric shock by deenergizing the circuit and grounding it or by guarding it effectively by insulation or other means. Open (a)(1) 469 citations
(2) In work areas where the exact location of underground electric powerlines is unknown, employees using jack-hammers, bars, or other hand tools which may contact a line shall be provided with insulated protective gloves. Open (a)(2) 3 citations
(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. Open (a)(3) 134 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Injuries linked to this rule
24 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.416(a).
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 | 32 |
| 2024 | 211 |
| 2025 | 210 |
| 2026 | 153 |
Top states: IL (74), MD (53), FL (49), NY (46), TX (41)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RICHARD REEVES | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $165,514 |
| CONTINENTAL ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC | ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL | $161,323 |
| NORTH SHORE FRAMING INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $70,982 |
| 107646 - THE DREAMERS ROOFING LLC | DULUTH, MN | $50,000 |
| 154824 - TAYLOR PAINTING, INC | CORNELIUS, NC | $42,187 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether employees who are verifying that an electrical system is de-energized or are turning off circuit breakers are required to use personal protective equipment (2008-02-29)
- Protection of employees from exposure to live electrical parts with plastic switch plates/receptacle cover and non-conductive screws. (2004-09-17)
- Applicable standards to protect employees, not engaged in electrical work, operating an aerial lift within 10 feet of overhead electrical lines. (2001-09-25)
- Insulation issues: definition; plastic sheaths;and guarding requirements. (1999-02-23)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(a)(1) 469 citations
- 1926.416(a)(3) 134 citations
- 1926.416(a)(2) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When can a worker be near a power circuit?
Only when protected against shock by deenergizing and grounding the circuit or by effectively guarding it with insulation or other means.
What must happen before work starts?
The employer must determine by inquiry, observation or instruments whether energized circuits could be contacted, post warning signs and advise employees of the hazards.
What if we do not know where underground lines are?
Employees using jackhammers, bars or other hand tools that may contact a line must be given insulated protective gloves.
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.