Class Code 0171
Field Crops
Class Code 0171 (Field Crops) covers the planting, cultivation, irrigation and harvesting operations for field-grown crops in California. This classification has a September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate of $5.287 per $100 of payroll — an important baseline for farm payroll costing and workers' comp budgeting.
What Class Code 0171 Covers
0171 applies to operations that produce field-grown crops where work is performed in open fields or in simple field structures (e.g., windrows, rows, fields). Typical activities include soil preparation (plowing, harrowing), seeding and transplanting, irrigation setup and maintenance, crop maintenance (weeding, fertilizing), pest control support, and mechanical or manual harvesting and loading. Machinery use covered under this code includes tractors, cultivators, balers, combines and motorized harvesters when used in normal field operations. The code generally covers both seasonal and year-round farm laborers, including crews that perform hand labor as well as operators of farm equipment engaged in field crop production.
Who It Applies To
- Row-crop and grain farms (e.g., wheat, barley, corn, sorghum)
- Hay and forage producers (baling, windrowing, cutting)
- Vegetable growers when operations are typical open-field planting and harvesting
- Farm laborers and seasonal harvest crews
- Tractor, combine and mechanical harvester operators
- Irrigation technicians and field maintenance workers
Common Job Duties
- Plowing, disking and tillage with tractors and implements
- Seeding, transplanting and applying fertilizer
- Installing, operating and repairing irrigation lines and pumps
- Operating combines, balers, harvesters and grain handling equipment
- Hand labor for weeding, hand-harvest or crop inspection
- Loading/unloading harvested crops and driving field trucks
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.287 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $5.287 per $100 of payroll is the base charge insurers use to estimate expected claim costs for this class. To calculate an employer's premium, multiply payroll/100 by the rate, then apply the employer's experience modification, assigned insurer factors, and any deductibles or dividend programs. Final premiums vary with claims history, payroll accuracy, classification splits (separating non-field tasks), and safety controls implemented on the farm.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA enforces specific agricultural safety requirements under the Agricultural Safety Orders, including machine guarding, rollover protective structures (ROPS), and equipment maintenance standards. California's Heat Illness Prevention standard applies to all outdoor agricultural work and requires shaded rest areas, water, training and acclimatization plans. Employers must also comply with field sanitation and pesticide-related training and notification requirements; maintain injury logs and report serious work-related injuries within required timeframes.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 0171
A PEO like Key HR helps field-crop employers reduce workers' comp costs through correct classification and payroll allocation, active claims management, and safety program development tailored to field operations (heat illness plans, machine guarding checklists, pesticide handling procedures). Key HR can provide training, return-to-work programs, pooled purchasing and experience modification monitoring to help lower long-term premiums while ensuring California compliance.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are seasonal harvest workers covered under Class Code 0171?
Yes. Seasonal and migrant workers engaged in planting, cultivation, harvesting and related field tasks are typically classified under 0171 when working in open-field crop production.
If my crew applies pesticides, does that change the classification?
Pesticide application can remain under 0171 if it is incidental to field crop production, but specialized licensed applicators or non-field spray operations may require a different code. Proper payroll splits and documentation are important to ensure correct classification.
What practical steps reduce my workers' comp premium for field crops?
Improve safety controls (ROPS, guarding, lockout/tagout), implement a formal heat-illness prevention plan, provide PPE and pesticide training, maintain accurate payroll and classification records, and work with a PEO or broker for proactive claims management and return-to-work programs to lower your experience mod.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 0171
- Classification
- Field Crops
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.287 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 0171?
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