1926.416(b)(2): Keep Cords Out of Walkways
Employers must keep working spaces, walkways and similar locations clear of electrical cords so the cords do not create a hazard to employees.
Key takeaways
- 1926.416(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $38,579 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (10), FL (4), PA (2).
- Related part: 1926.416(b) Passageways and open spaces (22 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.416(b)(2) 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
(2) Working spaces, walkways, and similar locations shall be kept clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees. 19 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.416.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: PR (10), FL (4), PA (2), NV (2), VA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KANDK CONSTRUCTION LLC. | ALLENTOWN, PA | $6,453 |
| RAMOS CUSTOM CARPENTRY | CLEARWATER BEACH, FL | $4,148 |
| R.L. JAMES INC. GENERAL CONTRACTOR | SAINT PETERSBURG, FL | $3,872 |
| NHOE REMODELING INC | MONTVERDE, FL | $2,765 |
| ELITE POWER SOLUTIONS INC | PALM BEACH, FL | $2,701 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.416(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.416(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.416(b) Passageways and open spaces 22 citations
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
Can extension cords run across walkways?
Cords must be kept clear of working spaces, walkways and similar locations so they do not create a hazard to employees.
Why does OSHA care about cords on the floor?
Cords in work areas and walkways can create a hazard to employees, so the rule says to keep these areas clear of them.
Does this apply only to walkways?
No. It covers working spaces, walkways and similar locations.
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.