1926.754(e)(3)(iii): Mark Covers for Holes
In steel erection, all covers must be painted with high-visibility paint or marked with the word "HOLE" or "COVER" to warn of the hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1926.754(e)(3)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 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)(3)(iii) 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
(iii) All covers shall be painted with high-visibility paint or shall be marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard. 1 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)(3)(iii).
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)(3)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.754(e)(3)(iii).
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)(2)(ii) 3 citations
- 1926.754(e)(3)(iv) 3 citations
- 1926.754(e)(3)(i) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How must covers be marked?
Painted with high-visibility paint or marked with the word "HOLE" or "COVER".
Which covers does this cover?
All covers under this steel erection rule.
Why mark them?
To provide warning of the hazard.
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.