OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1926.959 57 times since 2015, against 40 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $324,975 at their current amounts.
Citations per year
The parts of the rule cited most
1926.959(d)(2) · 18 citations
(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.
1926.959(d)(1) · 10 citations
(d) Operations near energized lines or equipment—(1) Minimum approach distance. Mechanical equipment shall be operated so that the minimum approach distances, established by the employer under § 1926.960(c)(1)(i), are maintained from exposed energized lines and equipment. However, the insulated portion of an aerial lift operated by a qualified employee in the lift is exempt from this requirement if the applicable minimum approach distance is maintained between the uninsulated portions of the aerial lift and exposed objects having a different electrical potential.
1926.959(d)(3)(i) · 6 citations
(i) The energized lines or equipment exposed to contact shall be covered with insulating protective material that will withstand the type of contact that could be made during the operation.
1926.959(d)(3) · 5 citations
(3) Extra precautions. If, during operation of the mechanical equipment, that equipment could become energized, the operation also shall comply with at least one of paragraphs (d)(3)(i) through (d)(3)(iii) of this section.
1926.959(d)(3)(iii) · 5 citations
(iii) Each employee shall be protected from hazards that could arise from mechanical equipment contact with energized lines or equipment. The measures used shall ensure that employees will not be exposed to hazardous differences in electric potential. Unless the employer can demonstrate that the methods in use protect each employee from the hazards that could arise if the mechanical equipment contacts the energized line or equipment, the measures used shall include all of the following techniques:
1926.959(a)(2) · 4 citations
(2) Inspection before use. The critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating equipment shall receive a thorough visual inspection before use on each shift.
1926.959(d)(3)(ii) · 4 citations
(ii) The mechanical equipment shall be insulated for the voltage involved. The mechanical equipment shall be positioned so that its uninsulated portions cannot approach the energized lines or equipment any closer than the minimum approach distances, established by the employer under § 1926.960(c)(1)(i).
1926.959(c) · 2 citations
(c) Applied loads. Mechanical equipment used to lift or move lines or other material shall be used within its maximum load rating and other design limitations for the conditions under which the mechanical equipment is being used.
Industries cited most
- Construction 44
- Utilities 11
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 1
- Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 1
Recently cited employers
- American Hydro, LLC Jonesboro, IN · Aug 24, 2026
- Grip Electric Midland, TX · Jul 7, 2026
- Praxel Line Services LLC Saint Paul, MN · Jun 3, 2026
- Primoris T&D Services LLC. Seminole, FL · Feb 10, 2026