1926.754(e)(2)(ii): Deck Over Roof and Floor Openings
In steel erection, roof and floor holes and openings must be decked over. Where size, configuration or design does not allow decking over, such as elevator shafts or stair wells, employees must be protected according to 1926.760(a)(1).
Key takeaways
- 1926.754(e)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $18,040 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)(ii) is one requirement inside 1926.754 Structural steel assembly, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). 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
(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). 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)(ii).
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)(ii), 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)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.754(e) Metal decking 20 citations
- 1926.754(e)(2) Roof and floor holes and openings 7 citations
- 1926.754(e)(3) Covering roof and floor openings 6 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
What must be done with roof and floor holes?
They must be decked over.
What if an opening cannot be decked over?
Employees must be protected in accordance with 1926.760(a)(1).
What openings might not be decked over?
Examples include elevator shafts and stair wells.
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 2026-10-19
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.