1926.959(d)(2): Observer for Approach Distance
A designated employee other than the equipment operator must watch the approach distance to exposed lines and equipment and give timely warnings before the minimum approach distance is reached, unless the employer can show the operator can accurately judge the distance.
Key takeaways
- 1926.959(d)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $51,888 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.959(d) Operations near energized lines or equipment (20 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.959(d)(2) ("Observer") is one requirement inside 1926.959 Mechanical equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart V). 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) Observer. A designated employee other than the equipment operator shall observe the approach distance to exposed lines and equipment and provide timely warnings before the minimum approach distance required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section is reached, unless the employer can demonstrate that the operator can accurately determine that the minimum approach distance is being maintained. 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.959.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.959(d)(2).
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 1926.959(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.959(d)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.959(d) Operations near energized lines or equipment 20 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3) Extra precautions 10 citations
- 1926.959(d)(1) Minimum approach distance 5 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(ii) 4 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(iii) 3 citations
- 1926.959(d)(3)(i) 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
Who watches the distance to energized lines?
A designated employee other than the equipment operator.
When must the observer warn the operator?
In time, before the minimum approach distance is reached.
Is an observer ever not required?
Only if the employer can demonstrate the operator can accurately determine that the minimum approach distance is being maintained.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.959 (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.