OSHA has long recognized electricity as a safety hazard. In recognition of the dangers of working with electricity, OSHA created comprehensive electrical standards to ensure the safety of workers in electrical-related jobs.
Failure to comply with these electrical safety standards can result in serious fines, depending on the severity of the violation and whether the company has been cited before. But OSHA violations aren’t meant to make your life difficult; they are here to help employers correct hazardous conditions in order to avoid employee injury, illness, or death.
This article will break down the most frequently cited OSHA electrical violations, the associated penalties, and steps you can take to avoid them.
Top Electrical Violations Leading to OSHA Citations
Electrical safety standard violations consistently rank among OSHA's most frequent citations. For the recent period, the most frequent electrical-specific violations generally fall into these four core categories:
Control of Hazardous Energy (Logout/Tagout - 1910.147)
While not exclusively electrical, it is the primary standard for controlling hazardous electrical energy during maintenance. This is consistently one of the most cited electrical safety standards across all industries. Major violations include:
Inadequate Energy Control Procedures: Failing to have specific, documented steps for de-energizing machinery.
Lack of Training: Not training employees on how to properly apply locks and tags.
Failure to Inspect: Neglecting to conduct annual periodic inspections of the lockout/tagout procedures to ensure they are being followed correctly.
Wiring Methods, Components, and Equipment for General Use (1910.305)
This standard covers the installation, usage, and safety requirements for electrical wiring, components, and equipment. Common citations include:
Improper Use of Extension Cords: Using flexible cords as a permanent substitute for fixed wiring or "daisy-chaining" power strips into one another.
Unused Openings: Failing to effectively close unused openings in cabinets, boxes, or fittings with blanks (using tape is not acceptable).
Lack of Strain Relief: Not securing flexible cords so that the weight or pull isn't transmitted directly to the terminal screws.
General Electrical Requirements (1910.303)
This electrical standard addresses the basic safety and installation of equipment. Common violations include:
Blocked Access: Stacking boxes or equipment in front of electrical panels. OSHA requires at least 36 inches of clear working space in front of electrical equipment.
Misuse of Equipment: Using devices in ways they weren't intended, such as utilizing a residential-rated coffee maker or a box fan in a heavy industrial setting.
Exposed Live Parts: Operating equipment with missing covers or exposed energized conductors.
Grounding and Protection (1926.404)
Grounding and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) standards are critical for safety in high-risk areas and conditions. Common violations of these safety standards include:
Improper Grounding Path: A grounding path must be permanent, continuous, and have low impedance. Violations occur when the ground wire is broken, disconnected, or missing entirely.
Missing GFCIs: Failing to use GFCIs for temporary power on job sites, which is a major defense against electrocution in wet environments.
Consequences of Electrical Violations: OSHA Fines and Penalties
OSHA violations result in severe consequences, including substantial monetary penalties. After a violation is found, an OSHA inspector will assess the penalty's severity and set an amount that fits your criteria. The legal amount may vary depending on the requirements:
- Serious
- Other-Than-Serious
- Posting Requirements
- Failure to Abate
- Willful or Repeated
It is to be noted that the maximum penalty amount differs, depending on the type of violation, the size of the business, the gravity of the hazard, and the employer's history of previous violations. For instance, willful or repeated violations, such as failure to use lockout/tagout (LOTO) tags for electrical machinery undergoing service or maintenance, may incur a hefty fine for each violation.
Beyond fines, OSHA electrical violations cause increased insurance costs, potential criminal charges, and dangerous workplace accidents.
Tips to Prevent OSHA Electric Violations
There’s no shortcut to avoiding OSHA violations. The safest organizations methodically manage their safety programs through ongoing inspections, corrective action tracking, and employee training programs. They also regularly audit and improve their safety programs. Compliance with electrical safety standards and regulations can help eliminate the risk of penalties, avoid safety incidents and employee injuries, and help you stay prepared for an unexpected visit from an OSHA inspector.
With so many electrical standards and regulations to navigate through, developing a code-compliant workplace can be overwhelming. But our comprehensive electrical safety article breaks down everything you need to know into clear, actionable guidance to help you stay compliant and inspection-ready.
Electrical Safety to Ensure Compliance
A surefire way to avoid OSHA penalties is by ensuring your workplace meets electrical safety standards. By abiding by these standards, you can survive an unexpected visit from OSHA inspectors and ensure your workplace is free from “recognized hazards.” At Creative Safety Supply, we offer a free Electric Safety Inspection Checklist and industrial-grade safety supplies to keep your workplace safe.