Abstract: Improvements in plastic coated, steel core reinforced manhole steps; particular improvements in the drive-in or hammer-in ends of a U-configuration manhole step construction, which improvements involve providing resilient, barb-like retainer elements in the drive-in ends yet relieving such in particular patterns so as to enable debris and water in the formed holes in the manhole to escape in order to protect the concrete against conveyed impact pressures and further enable more effective sealing and engagement of the manhole step ends with the manhole wall orifices; particular improvements in drive or hammer-in manhole steps of the plastic coated, steel core reinforced type wherein the drive-in ends of the manhole steps are so relieved in the end portions thereof as to obviate and prevent any sealing of the recesses or holes in the manhole proper; improvements in wedge tooth or barb configuration to achieve maximum pullout resistance while retaining pressure and material relief features.