1926.951: First Aid for Power Line Work
Employers must provide medical services and first aid as required in 1926.50. For work on or with exposed lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or more, field work with two or more employees needs at least two first-aid trained persons, and fixed sites such as substations need enough trained persons so each employee exposed to shock can be reached within 4 minutes.
Key takeaways
- 1926.951 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $19,764 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most-cited part: 1926.951(b) First-aid training (4 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.951, "Medical services and first aid", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart V). It has 4 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.951 (4 paragraphs)
(a) General. The employer shall provide medical services and first aid as required in § 1926.50.
(b) First-aid training. In addition to the requirements of § 1926.50, when employees are performing work on, or associated with, exposed lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or more, persons with first-aid training shall be available as follows: Open (b) 4 citations
(1) Field work. For field work involving two or more employees at a work location, at least two trained persons shall be available. Open (b)(1) 4 citations
(2) Fixed work locations. For fixed work locations such as substations, the number of trained persons available shall be sufficient to ensure that each employee exposed to electric shock can be reached within 4 minutes by a trained person. However, where the existing number of employees is insufficient to meet this requirement (at a remote substation, for example), each employee at the work location shall be a trained employee. Open (b)(2)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.951.
At 11:30 a.m. on August 9, 2024, Employee #1 was working at a residential site and reached inside a handhole to perform tasks. The employee made contact with an exposed wire and was electrocuted by a live 208V electrical line. Emergency services were called, but…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.951, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Frequency of refresher training for first aid and CPR (2023-02-23)
- Payment for body belts, positioning straps, and pole and tree climbers. (2009-03-16)
- Payment for body belts, positioning straps, and pole and tree climbers. (2009-03-16)
- Determining voltage ratings for electrical insulating equipment used during electrical power distribution and transmission work. (2005-09-27)
- Body Belts for Climbing. (1992-10-01)
- Fall protection as it relates to electric power transmission line construction and maintenance. (1991-09-10)
- Rubber protective equipment shall be in accordance with the provisions of (ANSI). (1989-02-10)
- Slip on tool hooks cannot be used because of a danger of electrical shock. (1980-06-06)
- Construction of electric transmissions and distribution lines and the use of hydraulic tools. (1979-09-10)
- If work may accidently come into contact with an energized line, do not use a conductive hose. (1978-02-06)
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.951(b) First-aid training 4 citations
- 1926.951(b)(1) Field work 4 citations
- 1926.951(b)(2) Fixed work locations
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
How many first aid trained people are needed for field work?
At least two trained persons for field work involving two or more employees at a work location.
What is the response time for fixed locations like substations?
Enough trained persons so each employee exposed to electric shock can be reached within 4 minutes.
What if a remote substation has too few employees?
Each employee at the work location shall be a trained employee.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.951 (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.