A temporary manhole cover and its methods of use are configured to prevent an entire person from falling into a manhole, while providing a unique structure, adjustable in some embodiments, that allows access for a user to simultaneously reach through and/or pass objects through the temporary manhole cover when it is installed in a manhole. The structure may include an annular perimeter portion optionally having an L-shaped cross-section defining a circular interior opening there-through, a first set of two parallel laterally-separated cross-members each attached with and extending across the circular opening, and a second set of two parallel laterally-separated cross-members each extending perpendicularly between and attached with the first set of two parallel laterally-separated cross-members.