1926.416(e)(1): No Worn or Frayed Cords
Employers must not allow worn or frayed electric cords or cables to be used on construction sites.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(e)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 397 times in the last 3 years, in 397 inspections, with $484,565 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (75), NC (43), TX (39).
- Related part: 1926.416(e) Cords and cables (409 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416(e)(1) 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
(1) Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used. 397 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.416(e)(1).
At 12:11 p.m. on May 8, 2024, Employee #1 was installing insulation to ductwork while working on a ladder and using a stud welder. The employee received an electrical shock while using the stud welder, causing him to fall off the ladderto the ground. Emergency…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 149 |
| 2025 | 148 |
| 2026 | 73 |
Top states: MD (75), NC (43), TX (39), NY (38), VA (26)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CONWAY-PHILLIPS HOLDING, LLC | PETROLIA, PA | $16,550 |
| DELTABJDS, INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $11,292 |
| CHAMPION PAINTING SPECIALTY SERVICES CORP. | NEW YORK, NY | $10,140 |
| DEFALCO CONSTRUCTION INC. | REGO PARK, NY | $9,218 |
| DIAMA SHIELD LLC | YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY | $9,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(e)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(e) Cords and cables 409 citations
- 1926.416(e)(2) 12 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use a cord with a small fray if it still works?
No. Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used.
Does this cover cables as well as cords?
Yes. It applies to electric cords and cables.
What should I do with a frayed cord?
Stop using it, since the rule says worn or frayed cords shall not be used.
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.