Construction

Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.

The references on this page provide information related to electrical in construction including OSHA's electrical construction regulations, hazard recognition, possible solutions and general resources.

OSHA Standards

This section highlights OSHA standards, frequently cited standards, Federal Register notices (rules and proposed rules), directives (instruction to OSHA staff), and letters of interpretation (official letters of interpretation of the standards) related to electrical hazards.

Electrical hazards are addressed in specific standards for the construction industry. For additional information on general industry regulations, see the general industry regulations section.

Frequently Cited Standards

OSHA maintains a listing of the most frequently cited standards for specified 2-6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Please refer to OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page for additional information. For Construction of Buildings use NAICS code 236, for Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction use NAICS code 237, and for Specialty Trade Contractors use NAICS code 238 in the NAICS search box.

State Standards

There are twenty-eight OSHA-approved State Plans, operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements.

Hazard Recognition

Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. According to 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2), "The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury." The following references aid in recognizing hazards associated with electrical work.

• Construction - Pocket Guide. OSHA Publication 3252, (2005).
• Construction Industry Outreach Training Program. OSHA. Provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in the construction industry. Also available is OSHA Outreach Training Program - Construction Industry Procedures.
• Why Are So Many Construction Workers Being Electrocuted? Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety & Health (elcosh).
• Proceedings of a Meeting to Explore the Use of Ergonomics Interventions for the Mechanical and Electrical Trades. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-119, (July 2006). Describes work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors and injury or illness data for the mechanical and electrical trades, as well as ergonomics "best-practices" provided by stakeholders in the construction industry.
• NIOSH Numbered Publications - Alerts. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Presents information about occupational illnesses, injuries, and deaths. Requests assistance in preventing, solving, and controlling newly identified occupational hazards. The following alerts are associated with electrical injuries:
  • Preventing Worker Deaths and Injuries from Contacting Overhead Power Lines with Metal Ladders. Publication No. 2007-155, (September 2007). Provides recommendations to prevent injuries and deaths while working with metal ladders.
  • Preventing Electrocutions of Crane Operators and Crew Members Working Near Overhead Power Lines. Publication No. 95-108, (May 1995). Describes five cases (six electrocutions) that resulted from such hazards and makes recommendations for preventing similar incidents.
  • Preventing Injuries and Deaths From Metal-Reinforced Hydraulic Hoses. Publication No. 93-105, (May 1993). Warns that workers may be burned or electrocuted when using metal-reinforced hoses on aerial bucket trucks near energized power lines.
  • Preventing Electrocutions During Work with Scaffolds Near Overhead Power Lines. Publication No. 91-110, (August 1991). Describes 13 deaths that occurred in six separate incidents when workers erected or moved scaffolds that came into contact with energized, overhead power lines, or when they contacted overhead power lines while using conductive tools or materials from scaffolds.
  • Preventing Electrocutions from Contact Between Cranes and Power Lines. Publication No. 85-111, (July 1985). This publication has been superceded by Publication 95-108.

Possible Solutions

A variety of possible solutions may be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury associated with electrical work. Examples of solutions include the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices. The following references aid in controlling electrical hazards in the workplace.

• Proceedings of a Meeting to Explore the Use of Ergonomics Interventions for the Mechanical and Electrical Trades. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-119, (July 2006). Describes work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors and injury or illness data for the mechanical and electrical trades, as well as ergonomics "best-practices" provided by stakeholders in the construction industry..
• Construction Industry Outreach Training Program. OSHA. Provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in the construction industry. Also available is OSHA Outreach Training Program - Construction Industry Procedures*.

Additional Resources

Related Safety and Health Topics Pages

• Construction Industry
• Young Workers in Construction

Training

• Electrical. OSHA Slide Presentation. Assists trainers conducting OSHA outreach training for workers emphasizing hazard identification, avoidance, and control.