1926.950(b)(1): Training for All Power Line Workers
Each employee doing electric power transmission or distribution work must be trained in and familiar with the safety work practices, procedures and requirements of this subpart that apply to their job. They must also know other safety practices tied to their work, including emergency procedures like pole-top and manhole rescue. How much training is needed depends on the risk of the hazard involved.
Key takeaways
- 1926.950(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $46,505 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.950(b) Training (13 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.950(b)(1) ("All employees") is one requirement inside 1926.950 General, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart V). It includes 3 sub-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
(1) All employees. 8 citations
(i) Each employee shall be trained in, and familiar with, the safety-related work practices, safety procedures, and other safety requirements in this subpart that pertain to his or her job assignments. 6 citations
(ii) Each employee shall also be trained in and familiar with any other safety practices, including applicable emergency procedures (such as pole-top and manhole rescue), that are not specifically addressed by this subpart but that are related to his or her work and are necessary for his or her safety. Open (b)(1)(ii) 2 citations
(iii) The degree of training shall be determined by the risk to the employee for the hazard involved.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.950.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.950(b)(1).
At 1:00 p.m. on September 12, 2024, Employee #1 was raising the boom of a vacuumtruck to install an extension. During the operation, the boom made contact with an overhead electrical line, resulting in electrocution.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.950(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.950(b)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.950(b) Training 13 citations
- 1926.950(b)(1)(ii) 2 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
Do workers need training beyond the rules in this subpart?
Yes. They must also know other safety practices related to their work, including emergency procedures such as pole-top and manhole rescue.
How much training is required?
The degree of training is set by the risk to the employee for the hazard involved.
Who must be trained?
Each employee, on the safety practices and procedures that pertain to his or her job assignments.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.950 (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.