1926.502(i): Hole Covers
Covers over holes must hold twice the load expected on them (twice the largest axle load in roadways), be secured against wind, equipment and workers, and be color-coded or marked HOLE or COVER.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(i)
(i) Covers. Covers for holes in floors, roofs, and other walking/working surfaces shall meet the following requirements:
324 citations(1) Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover.
Open (i)(1) 2 citations(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.
Open (i)(2) 36 citations(3) All covers shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees.
Open (i)(3) 140 citations(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.
Open (i)(4) 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), 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 | 55 |
| 2024 | 134 |
| 2025 | 69 |
| 2026 | 66 |
Top states: MD (57), MI (55), VA (33), NY (26), NC (17)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AXON CONSTRUCTION INC | LONG ISLAND CITY, NY | $44,685 |
| INTERNATIONAL ASBESTOS REMOVAL INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $40,000 |
| NORTHSTAR CONTRACTING GROUP INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $32,262 |
| 154712 - DELMY ALVAREZ | SOUTHERN PINES, NC | $28,125 |
| 154707 - MODERN MECHANICAL HVAC LLC | SOUTHERN PINES, NC | $28,125 |
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)
- Fall protection requirements for stairwells and mechanical chase openings surrounded by interior stud walls in residential construction (2003-12-22)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(i)(4) 146 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.