1926.416: Electrical Safety Basics on Construction Sites
Employers must not let workers work close enough to an electric power circuit to contact it unless it is deenergized and grounded or effectively guarded. Before work starts, the employer must find energized circuits, post warning signs and tell workers about them. Worn or frayed cords cannot be used, cords must be kept out of walkways, and insulated tools are needed for fuses with energized terminals.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 1,067 times in the last 3 years, in 954 inspections, with $4,188,275 in current penalties.
- 25 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (132), IL (94), NY (87).
- Most-cited part: 1926.416(a) Protection of employees (632 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1926.416 ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416, "General requirements", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart K). It has 11 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 1926.416 (11 paragraphs)
(a) Protection of employees. Open (a) 632 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) 489 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) 140 citations
(b) Passageways and open spaces —-(1) Barriers or other means of guarding shall be provided to ensure that workspace for electrical equipment will not be used as a passageway during periods when energized parts of electrical equipment are exposed. Open (b) 21 citations
(2) Working spaces, walkways, and similar locations shall be kept clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees. Open (b)(2) 18 citations
(c) Load ratings. In existing installations, no changes in circuit protection shall be made to increase the load in excess of the load rating of the circuit wiring.
(d) Fuses. When fuses are installed or removed with one or both terminals energized, special tools insulated for the voltage shall be used.
(e) Cords and cables. Open (e) 414 citations
(1) Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used. Open (e)(1) 403 citations
(2) Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire. Open (e)(2) 11 citations
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 55 FR 42328, Oct. 18, 1990; 58 FR 35179, June 30, 1993; 61 FR 9251, Mar. 7, 1996; 61 FR 41738, Aug. 12, 1996]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 954 inspections cited 1926.416 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
25 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.416.
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 | 46 |
| 2024 | 373 |
| 2025 | 373 |
| 2026 | 275 |
Top states: MD (132), IL (94), NY (87), TX (78), NC (60)
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 |
| SETTLE-MUTER ELECTRIC, LLC | BYESVILLE, OH | $66,200 |
| 107646 - THE DREAMERS ROOFING LLC | DULUTH, MN | $50,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.416.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.416(a) Protection of employees 632 citations
- 1926.416(a)(1) 489 citations
- 1926.416(e) Cords and cables 414 citations
- 1926.416(e)(1) 403 citations
- 1926.416(a)(3) 140 citations
- 1926.416(b) Passageways and open spaces 21 citations
- 1926.416(b)(2) 18 citations
- 1926.416(e)(2) 11 citations
- 1926.416(a)(2) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What must happen before work near electric circuits?
The employer must find out where energized circuits are, post warning signs, and tell workers the location, hazards and protective measures.
Can extension cords be hung from nails?
No. Extension cords must not be fastened with staples, hung from nails or suspended by wire.
What if underground power lines are not located exactly?
Workers 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 2026-11-06
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.