Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".

Note: Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

Frequently Cited Standards

The following, in order, were the most frequently cited standards by Federal OSHA during October 2005 through September 2006, in Heavy Construction, Except Highway and Street (SIC code 162).

• 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements
• 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems
• 1926.21, Safety training and education
• 1926.100, Head protection
• 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection
• 1926.1053, Ladders
• 1926.20, General safety and health provisions [related topic page]
• 1926.550, Cranes and derricks
• 1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]
• 1926.602, Material handling equipment

The following, in order, were the most frequently cited standards by Federal OSHA during October 2005 through September 2006, in Electric Services (SIC code 491).

• 1910.269, Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution [related topic page]
• 1910.146, Permit-required confined spaces [related topic page]
• 1910.305, Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use
• 1910.303, General requirements (electrical) [related topic page]
• 1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]
• 1904.32, Annual summary [related topic page]
• 1910.132, General requirements (personal protective equipment)  [related topic page]
• 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers [related topic page]
• 1910.212, General requirements for all machines [related topic page]
• 1910.215, Abrasive wheel machinery

General Industry (29 CFR 1910)

• 1910 Subpart R, Special industries
  • 1910.269, Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution [related topic page]

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926 Subpart V, Power transmission and distribution
• 1926.950, General requirements
• 1926.951, Tools and protective equipment
• 1926.952, Mechanical equipment
• 1926.953, Material handling
• 1926.954, Grounding for protection of employees
• 1926.955, Overhead lines
• 1926.956, Underground lines
• 1926.957, Construction in energized substations
• 1926.958, External load helicopters
• 1926.959, Lineman's body belts, safety straps, and lanyards
• 1926.960, Definitions applicable to this subpart

Regulatory Agenda

• The OSHA Regulatory Agenda contains an entry related to electric power transmission and distribution, and electrical protective equipment.

Directives

• Enforcement of the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Standard. CPL 02-01-038 [CPL 2-1.38], (2003, June 18). Assists compliance personnel in performing inspections at electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment.
• Search all available directives.