Everyone on jobsites must be protected from falling through holes, including skylights, trip hazards presented by holes, and objects falling from holes more than 2” in diameter. The protection can be guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, or covers. Covers are the preferred method as they are systems that protect workers below the hole from falling objects, which is required.
Covers: Covers for holes in floors, roofs, and other walking/working surfaces shall meet the following requirements: All covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time. All covers shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees. All covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the word hole or cover to provide warning of the hazard. They also need to be marked with Do Not Remove.
Foreman must carry out routine and ongoing inspections of the job site. Workers are responsible to notice hazards, such as holes, and take corrective action. Look out for holes in your work area prior to beginning the work shift. Even if we do not make the hole, but we are working in that area and our workers are exposed to the hazard, we must make sure the hole gets covered.