The Case for Oil Pit Netting
- Team Eagle
- Jun 24
- 2 min read

In many industrial service bays and maintenance facilities, open oil and grease pits are just part of the floorplan. But what’s often overlooked is the very real, very dangerous risk they pose. Falls into uncovered pits can result in serious injury, OSHA citations, downtime, and long-term liability.
Fortunately, there’s a smarter, more flexible solution: Eagle MH’s Oil Pit Netting. In this blog, we break down why netting is an essential safety upgrade and how to make the switch with minimal disruption.
Hidden Hazards: The Pit You Forgot About
Oil pits may be recessed, low-profile, and easy to forget, but they’re still a leading hazard. Unlike obvious overhead dangers, these floor-level risks blend into the background of everyday workflow.
Whether it’s a technician backing up without looking, a contractor unfamiliar with the space, or poor lighting during third-shift maintenance, an unprotected pit is a constant fall risk.
Why Signs and Traditional Covers Don’t Cut It
Relying on floor tape, cones, or warning signs might check a box, but they do little to stop a fall in progress. Rigid pit covers, meanwhile, can be bulky, heavy, awkward to manage and often removed during peak work hours and forgotten in place afterward. So, what’s missing? Passive protection. Something that works even when your team is distracted, tired, or multitasking.
Netting vs. Rigid Covers: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Rigid Covers | Oil Pit Netting |
Coverage | Full or partial | Full, flexible span |
Weight | Heavy | Lightweight, tensioned |
Workflow Impact | Often removed | Stays in place |
Maintenance | Requires manual lift | Minimal upkeep |
Customization | Limited | Custom-fitted to any bay |
Netting stays where it’s needed, without disrupting daily operations. It's low-profile, load-rated, and built for real-world usage.
OSHA Fines and the True Cost of Downtime
A single pit-related incident can trigger:
OSHA citations for unsafe floor hazards
Medical claims and worker’s comp
Insurance hikes and lost productivity
Reputation damage as a safety risk
And those costs add up. A basic OSHA fall protection violation can carry a penalty of $16,000+ per occurrence, not including indirect costs.
Installation Checklist: What to Consider
Before installing your oil pit netting, use this quick checklist:
Measure your pit dimensions and depth
Identify bracket or cable-mount preferences
Review workflow: will netting stay up full-time?
Check OSHA and ANSI compliance needs
Confirm any fire-retardant or load-rating requirements
Plan for minimal disruption during install
Final Thoughts: It's Time to Net the Risk
Oil pit hazards are avoidable, but only if you address them proactively. While signs and covers provide partial solutions, netting offers true, passive protection that doesn’t rely on reminders or routines.
With Eagle MH’s custom Oil Pit Netting, you choose safety without compromise while also protecting your people, your operations, and your peace of mind.
Ready to talk oil pit safety?
Contact us today to discuss your facility’s specific needs and get a custom recommendation by visiting eaglemh.com or by clicking the link.
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