1926.552(b)(3): Overhead Cover on Material Hoists
Every material hoist cage or platform must have an overhead protective covering of 2-inch planking, 3/4-inch plywood, or other solid material of equivalent strength on top.
Key takeaways
- 1926.552(b)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $15,025 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.552(b) Material hoists (21 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.552(b)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.552 Material hoists, personnel hoists, and elevators, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart N). 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
(3) Overhead protective covering of 2-inch planking, 3⁄4-inch plywood, or other solid material of equivalent strength, shall be provided on the top of every material hoist cage or platform. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.552.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.552(b)(3).
At 12:34 p.m. on July 30, 2024, an employee working for an industrial building contractor was working in a warehouse. The employee died when he fell due to unspecified reasons approximately two floors.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.552(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.552(b)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.552(b) Material hoists 21 citations
- 1926.552(b)(1) 5 citations
- 1926.552(b)(2) 5 citations
- 1926.552(b)(5) 4 citations
- 1926.552(b)(5)(ii) 4 citations
- 1926.552(b)(1)(ii) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What overhead protection does a material hoist need?
A covering of 2-inch planking, 3/4-inch plywood, or other solid material of equivalent strength.
Where is the covering placed?
On the top of every material hoist cage or platform.
Can other materials be used?
Yes, other solid material of equivalent strength.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.552 (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 2026-10-20
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.