1926.502(i)(4): Mark Hole Covers
Covers must be color-coded or marked with the word HOLE or COVER. Cast iron manhole covers and steel street grates are exempt.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(i)(4)
(4) All covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard.
This provision does not apply to cast iron manhole covers or steel grates used on streets or roadways.
146 citationsSource: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
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Injuries linked to this rule
4 injury cases in the last 3 years came from inspections where OSHA cited 1926.502(i)(4), including 4 deaths.
At 1:15 p.m. on February 4, 2025, Employee #1 was evaluating a hole while working as a construction laborer for a mechanical contractor. He fell and sustained fatal injuries.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 29 |
Top states: MD (35), MI (27), NY (10), VA (10), NC (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 154706 - SHIEL-SEXTON COMPANY INC | SOUTHERN PINES, NC | $23,437 |
| INTERNATIONAL ASBESTOS REMOVAL INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $20,000 |
| NORTHSTAR CONTRACTING GROUP INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $16,131 |
| AXON CONSTRUCTION INC | LONG ISLAND CITY, NY | $14,895 |
| RAMIREZ CONTRACTING SERVICES, INC. | LINCOLN, NE | $11,122 |
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(i) Covers 324 citations
- 1926.502(i)(3) 140 citations
- 1926.502(i)(2) 36 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.