A circuit breaker having a housing with an accessory cover includes an accessory cover interlock assembly that trips the circuit breaker upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly includes a plunger rotatable from an initial install position to an engaged position that moves a trip lever into a de-energize position (tripping the circuit breaker) upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly prevents the circuit breaker from being reset while the access cover is removed. The accessory cover interlock assembly automatically resets upon re-attachment of the accessory cover to the circuit breaker housing. Methods of forced safety tripping in a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.