Floor Holes & Openings

Photo: Bart Everson, CC BY 2.0.

priority_high Why it matters

A hole is any gap 2 inches or more in the smallest dimension; an opening is 12 inches or more. Uncovered drains, removed grates, demolition gaps, and floor penetrations are easy to walk or step into. They're a fall-through and trip hazard at the same time, and they're routinely missed because the cover ‘was just moved for a minute.’

event_repeat How often it's checked

There is no fixed interval — the requirement to guard a hole is continuous, so it must be verified whenever a cover is removed and at every routine safety walk. OSHA cites it on complaint, accident, or NEP-driven inspection.

construction How we fix it (with La Gala Construction)

We install code-compliant covers (rated for at least twice the maximum load) or guardrails around the opening, and standardize cover hardware so a removed cover gets put back the same way every time.

Got this on a citation — or want to get ahead of it?

Our PE partner certifies it, our field team inspects it, and La Gala Construction fixes it — under one contract. Start with a comprehensive, no-obligation assessment, or build a custom compliance plan in two minutes.

Get a comprehensive assessment schoolSchedule Certified Training Build a plan

Window-washing or swing-stage crews on your facade? Start with tie-back anchor inspection & load testing.