Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers shall provide a place of employment that is safe, healthful and free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or physical harm to the employee.
The following specific OSHA regulations relate to overhead utility line safety:
- The employer is prohibited from permitting an employee to work in such proximity to any part of an electric conductor that the employee could contact in the course of work, unless the employee is protected from electric shock by de-energizing the conductor and grounding it, or by guarding effectively with insulation or some other means.
- Before work can begin, the employer must determine by inquiry, observation or instruments whether any part of an energized electric conductor is so located that the performance of work could bring any person, tool or machine into contact with the conductor.
- The employer must also post and maintain proper warning signs where such a conductor exists and advise employees of the location of such lines, the hazards involved, and the protective measures to be taken. Visit the OSHA Website.
The following specific OSHA regulation relates to underground utility line safety:
