OSHA Standard 1926.404, titled 'Wiring Design and Protection,' is a critical component of electrical safety within the construction industry. This standard outlines the requirements for the proper design, installation, and protection of electrical wiring and equipment on construction sites to prevent electrical hazards such as shocks, fires, and electrocutions. It covers various aspects, including the use and identification of grounded and grounding conductors, overcurrent protection, wiring methods, and the proper use of flexible cords and cables.

Common violations of 1926.404 often involve inadequate grounding, improper use of extension cords, lack of ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection where required, and exposed live electrical parts. For instance, using damaged extension cords with exposed wiring, daisy-chaining multiple power strips, or failing to ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded are frequent citations. Another common issue is the misuse of flexible cords as substitutes for fixed wiring, which can lead to tripping hazards and electrical damage.

Penalties for violating 1926.404 can vary significantly based on the severity of the violation, the employer's history, and whether the violation is classified as serious, willful, repeat, or other-than-serious. While the average penalty is around $293, a single serious violation can incur a much higher fine, with the maximum single penalty reaching $55,000 in extreme cases, especially if it leads to a fatality or severe injury. Willful or repeat violations can lead to even higher penalties.

To comply with 1926.404, employers must ensure all electrical installations and equipment on construction sites meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as referenced by OSHA. This includes using appropriate wiring methods, providing proper overcurrent protection for circuits and equipment, and ensuring effective grounding. Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment, including portable tools and extension cords, are crucial. Additionally, implementing GFCI protection for all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles on construction sites, not part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure, is mandatory to protect workers from ground-fault shocks. Training workers on electrical safety hazards and proper procedures is also a key element of compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of OSHA 1926.404?

The primary purpose of OSHA 1926.404 is to ensure the safe design, installation, and protection of electrical wiring and equipment on construction sites, preventing electrical hazards like shocks, fires, and electrocutions to protect workers.

What are some common violations associated with 1926.404?

Common violations include inadequate grounding of electrical equipment, improper use or damage to extension cords, lack of required Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection, exposed live electrical parts, and using flexible cords as substitutes for fixed wiring.

How can employers ensure compliance with OSHA 1926.404?

Employers can ensure compliance by adhering to the National Electrical Code (NEC) for all installations, providing proper overcurrent protection, ensuring effective grounding, implementing GFCI protection where required, regularly inspecting electrical equipment, and training workers on electrical safety procedures.

#	Facility	Location	Total Penalties	Citations
1	AVCON INC.	EDGEWATER, NJ	$424,000.00	15
2	S. A. HEALY CO., INC.	MILWAUKEE, WI	$307,020.00	73
3	TWIN PINES CONSTRUCTION INC.	DURHAM, NH	$290,700.00	14
4	NEW YORK STUCCO, INC.	WOODBRIDGE, NJ	$244,500.00	19
5	LESSARD BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, INC.	LEWISTON, ME	$243,360.00	8
6	FIVE STAR ROOFING SYSTEMS, INC.	LAKE BARRINGTON, IL	$220,249.00	16
7	FLOYD P. BUCHER & SON INC.	MAUMEE, OH	$220,000.00	15
8	HARTFORD ROOFING COMPANY, INC.	RIDGEFIELD, CT	$219,200.00	24
9	SAFE AIR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP INC.	LACKAWANNA, NY	$218,200.00	47
10	MORRISON-KNUDSEN CO./YONKERS CONTRACTING, CO.	BROOKLYN, NY	$196,100.00	18
11	TWIN PINES CONSTRUCTION INC.	PORTSMOUTH, NH	$180,100.00	16
12	MCCAIN FOODS, INC.	EASTON, ME	$166,500.00	23
13	B & B DRYWALL CORP.	BRONX, NY	$162,500.00	12
14	CATRACHOS CONSTRUCTION INC	CHESAPEAKE, VA	$162,200.00	15
15	BIG APPLE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INC.	BROOKLYN, NY	$157,940.00	12
16	CITYVIEW CONSTRUCTION CORP.	BELLEVILLE, NJ	$153,000.00	16
17	RUPA MIKKILINENI & M.R. MIKKILINENI DBA TALASILA	HOUSTON, TX	$152,300.00	23
18	FRED TEITELBAUM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY	CHICAGO, IL	$151,000.00	22
19	REINKE CONSTRUCTION CORP.	SOUTH BEND, IN	$142,000.00	23
20	J.J. PACIFIC DEVELOPEMENT CORP.	TAMUNING, GU	$120,870.00	12
21	NEW PLACE CARPENTRY, LLC	NORWICH, CT	$120,500.00	20
22	PGT CONSTRUCTION CO.	CHICAGO, IL	$120,000.00	9
23	4 BROTHERS STUCCO COMPANY DBA VP STUCCO CO.	TORRINGTON, CT	$118,650.00	16
24	NORTH AMERICAN ROOFING SYSTEMS, INC.	DUNKIRK, NY	$115,000.00	13
25	OLSHAN FOUNDATION REPAIR	HOUSTON, TX	$113,500.00	8

📋 What Is 29 CFR 1926.404?

29 CFR 1926.404 (Fall Protection — Training) is an OSHA regulatory standard under Part 1926 (Safety and Health Regulations for Construction). Requires employers to train each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. Violations of this standard can result in penalties ranging from advisory notices to citations exceeding $150,000 for willful violations. Across the SVEP enforcement database, 77,414 facilities have been cited under this standard, accumulating $28.1M in total penalties.

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