need advice: questioning new line for picture light, and if box is required

IsThisThingOn said:

Have a contractor trying to run a new electric line to a 'picture light' over the fireplace mantle.

As you can see in the photos, the entire wall has plywood beneath sheetrock (load bearing wall). - As they, nor I, have stuck our heads into the attic, they just decided to staple the new line to the plywood, to get it over to the fireplace mantel. (I wasn't watching them prior to the sheetrock being removed.). - I expressed concern over anyone in the future putting a nail in the wall will get a shock, so they are fabricating a steel? cover to go over the wire, prior to mudding up the wall.

1st question: Not a good idea, or legal? (this is Hawaii)

2nd question: Are electrical junction boxes required for mounting wall picture lights?

I'll stick my head into the attic, as, from my photos, it seems that they would have been able to send the new wire straight up to the attic, over to the 'false chimney', and down to the mantel. One would hope.

Advise requested. Thanks.

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