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.
Key takeaways
- 1926.502(i)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 142 times in the last 3 years, in 142 inspections, with $196,301 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (35), MI (25), NY (10).
- Related part: 1926.502(i) Covers (317 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.502(i)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.502 Fall protection systems criteria and practices, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart M). 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
(4) All covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard. 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: 142 inspections cited 1926.502(i)(4) 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)(4).
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 | 21 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 29 |
Top states: MD (35), MI (25), 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 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.502(i)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(i)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(i) Covers 317 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.