Floor Openings & Holes

Falls can occur from elevated work areas, such as platforms or scaffolding, or through holes or other openings, whether finished or unfinished. It is very important to acknowledge all possible fall sites in order to best protect workers.

Finished openings include those such as an opening at a car-repair shop that allows mechanics to access the underside of a car from beneath the floor. These openings are typically permanent and may or may not be involved in the work being done.

Unfinished openings include temporary holes at work sites to move materials from one level to another, a hole that is being repaired, an excavation site, or even an unfinished work platform.

Holes and openings are extremely dangerous and must be eliminated. People can fall through holes, and tools and material can fall through holes and strike people on working surfaces below.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.