1926.416(a)(1): Protection From Contact With Live Circuits
Employers must not let a worker work so close to any part of an electric power circuit that the worker could touch it during the work, unless the worker is protected against electric shock. Protection means deenergizing the circuit and grounding it, or guarding it effectively with insulation or other means.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(a)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 469 times in the last 3 years, in 469 inspections, with $2,938,903 in current penalties.
- 21 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (66), NY (41), MD (41).
- 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)(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) 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. 469 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Injuries linked to this rule
21 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.416(a)(1).
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 | 27 |
| 2024 | 160 |
| 2025 | 169 |
| 2026 | 113 |
Top states: IL (66), NY (41), MD (41), FL (35), NJ (31)
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 |
| 154824 - TAYLOR PAINTING, INC | CORNELIUS, NC | $42,187 |
| SMITH'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE & REPAIR, L.L.C. | AUBURN, AL | $40,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(a)(1), 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)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(a) Protection of employees 606 citations
- 1926.416(a)(3) 134 citations
- 1926.416(a)(2) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What are the ways to protect workers near a power circuit?
Deenergize the circuit and ground it, or guard it effectively by insulation or other means.
When does this rule apply?
When an employee could contact any part of an electric power circuit during the course of work.
Is being careful enough?
No. The worker must be protected by deenergizing and grounding or by effective guarding.
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 2026-10-19
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.