Ever noticed how many manhole covers line our sidewalks and city streets? They might look sturdy and harmless, but stepping on them isn’t always as safe as it seems. From unexpected slips to rare electrical issues, there’s a lot more beneath your feet than meets the eye. Here’s why a simple walk over a manhole cover deserves a second thought—and what you can do to stay safe in any city.

What Makes Manhole Covers Risky?

Manhole covers serve an essential role in urban infrastructure—they provide access to underground utilities like sewers and power lines. Most of the time they’re solid underfoot. But several factors can turn them into sidewalk hazards:

• Loose or broken covers: A worn-out or damaged cover may shift or collapse if you step directly on it.
• Slippery surfaces: When it rains or snows, metal becomes slick and can lead to falls.
• Electrical faults: In rare cases, faulty wiring below can electrify a cover—especially after storms.
• Poorly fitted replacements: After maintenance, some covers aren’t put back properly.
• Theft or vandalism: Missing or tampered covers leave open holes—a serious risk at night or in busy areas.

It’s easy to take these risks for granted since accidents are uncommon. Still, when they happen, injuries can be serious—from sprained ankles to electric shocks.

The Real Dangers Below Your Feet

You might wonder if these dangers are just urban myths. Unfortunately, news stories from around the world show otherwise. For example, cities like New York have reported incidents where pedestrians suffered burns from electrified manholes after heavy rains. In other places, cracked or missing covers have led to twisted ankles or worse.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has even published advisories about “contact voltage” incidents in cities (CDC fact sheet here). These events are rare but make a strong case for paying attention when you’re out walking.

How to Stay Safe Around Manhole Covers

You don’t need to avoid every metal plate on the sidewalk—but a few simple precautions make a big difference:

• Avoid walking directly over manhole covers if possible—especially after rain or snow.
• If you must step on one, check that it looks flush with the pavement and isn’t wobbling.
• Watch out for newly replaced or oddly shaped lids—they might be loose.
• If you notice missing or obviously damaged covers, report them immediately to your local public works department.
• Be extra careful at night when visibility is low.

For more on staying safe as a pedestrian in urban environments, check out this helpful guide from the National Safety Council. Awareness goes a long way.

A Close Call: Real-World Anecdote

A friend once told me about her close call with a manhole cover during a rainy evening walk downtown. She was hurrying across an intersection when she slipped right over a wet metal lid—her feet skidded out from under her! Luckily she caught herself before hitting the ground. She’d never really noticed these covers before but now keeps an eye out whenever she’s walking in bad weather.

Stories like this aren’t unusual—and most end with nothing worse than embarrassment and wet shoes. Still, it drives home how easy it is to overlook everyday street features that can turn risky in seconds.

Urban Safety Starts With Awareness

City living comes with its share of small hazards—some more obvious than others. While most of us will cross hundreds of manhole covers without incident, being informed helps keep everyone safer.

Have you ever had a close call with a sidewalk hazard? What do you look out for when navigating busy streets? Share your thoughts below!