1926.754(e)(2): Decking Over Roof and Floor Openings
In steel erection, framed metal deck openings must have structural members turned down so decking can run continuously, unless design or constructibility does not allow it. Roof and floor holes must be decked over, or workers protected under 1926.760(a)(1) where this is not possible, such as elevator shafts. Holes must not be cut until just before they are permanently filled, or must be covered right away.
Key takeaways
- 1926.754(e)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $42,187 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.754(e) Metal decking (20 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.754(e)(2) ("Roof and floor holes and openings") is one requirement inside 1926.754 Structural steel assembly, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It includes 3 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
(2) Roof and floor holes and openings. Metal decking at roof and floor holes and openings shall be installed as follows: 7 citations
(i) Framed metal deck openings shall have structural members turned down to allow continuous deck installation except where not allowed by structural design constraints or constructibility.
(ii) Roof and floor holes and openings shall be decked over. Where large size, configuration or other structural design does not allow openings to be decked over (such as elevator shafts, stair wells, etc.) employees shall be protected in accordance with § 1926.760(a)(1). Open (e)(2)(ii) 3 citations
(iii) Metal decking holes and openings shall not be cut until immediately prior to being permanently filled with the equipment or structure needed or intended to fulfill its specific use and which meets the strength requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this section, or shall be immediately covered. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.754.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.754(e)(2).
At 9:00 a.m. on August 1, 2024, an employee was laying out his fall harness. Theemployee fell through an unmarked skylight onto concrete, suffering massive headand body trauma. The employee was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.754(e)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.754(e)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.754(e) Metal decking 20 citations
- 1926.754(e)(3) Covering roof and floor openings 6 citations
- 1926.754(e)(2)(ii) 3 citations
- 1926.754(e)(3)(iv) 3 citations
- 1926.754(e)(3)(i) 1 citations
- 1926.754(e)(3)(iii) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Must roof and floor holes be decked over?
Yes. Where size, configuration or design does not allow it, such as elevator shafts or stair wells, workers must be protected under 1926.760(a)(1).
When can holes be cut in metal decking?
Only immediately before being permanently filled with the intended equipment or structure, or they must be immediately covered.
Why are structural members turned down at framed openings?
To allow continuous deck installation.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.754 (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.