1926.502(i)(2): Hole Cover Strength: Twice the Load
Covers outside roadways must support at least twice the weight of the workers, equipment and materials that may be on them at one time.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(i)(2)
(2) All other covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.
36 citationsSource: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
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Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: VA (9), MI (8), NC (5), OR (4), UT (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 109707 - BILLY HENSLEY DBA HENSLEY AUTO SUPPLY LLC | BEMIDJI, MN | $25,000 |
| R&B ROOFING LLC | BAINBRIDGE, GA | $12,661 |
| 157817 - ANNEX GROUP LLC | CHARLOTTE, NC | $9,678 |
| 154712 - DELMY ALVAREZ | SOUTHERN PINES, NC | $9,375 |
| 154707 - MODERN MECHANICAL HVAC LLC | SOUTHERN PINES, NC | $9,375 |
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether OSHA construction standards require a manhole cover to support at least twice a vehicle's applied axle load, regardless of the cover's size. (2010-04-06)
- Whether certain skylights meet the cover criteria of 1926 Subpart M. (2007-12-20)
- Duty of a subcontractor to cover floor holes in a Multi-Employer work site. (2004-11-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(i) Covers 324 citations
- 1926.502(i)(4) 146 citations
- 1926.502(i)(3) 140 citations
- 1926.502(i)(1) 2 citations
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About this page
Official text from the eCFR. Citation and injury numbers from public U.S. Department of Labor enforcement and accident records, copied nightly; 3-year window; data as of 2026-10-18. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.