What type of fall protection is described by using covers over openings?

The type of fall protection that involves using covers over openings is best described as surface coverings. Surface coverings are designed to safely protect workers from falling into openings, such as holes in the floor or other elevated surfaces. They function by creating a stable surface that can support the weight of personnel and equipment, effectively preventing falls.

Using covers is a common and practical approach in construction and maintenance settings, as it provides a barrier that can help ensure safety without requiring additional personal protective equipment or complex systems. It's essential that these covers are appropriately secured and marked to alert workers of the potential hazards beneath them.

This method is different from guardrail systems, which create a physical barrier around edges, personal fall arrest systems, which involve harnesses and safety lines to stop a fall, and safety nets, which are designed to catch falling workers. Each of those systems serves a unique purpose in fall protection, but surface coverings specifically address the protection of openings in work surfaces.