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.
Key takeaways
- 1926.502(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 317 times in the last 3 years, in 206 inspections, with $737,004 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (57), MI (52), VA (32).
- Related part: 1926.502(i)(4) (142 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.502(i) ("Covers") is one requirement inside 1926.502 Fall protection systems criteria and practices, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart M). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) Covers. Covers for holes in floors, roofs, and other walking/working surfaces shall meet the following requirements: 317 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) 34 citations
(3) All covers shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees. Open (i)(3) 139 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. Open (i)(4) 142 citations
This provision does not apply to cast iron manhole covers or steel grates used on streets or roadways.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
Export the list: 206 inspections cited 1926.502(i) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.502(i).
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 | 47 |
| 2024 | 134 |
| 2025 | 69 |
| 2026 | 67 |
Top states: MD (57), MI (52), VA (32), 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 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(i)(4) 142 citations
- 1926.502(i)(3) 139 citations
- 1926.502(i)(2) 34 citations
- 1926.502(i)(1) 2 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.502 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-07
3-year window. 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.