Class Code 1330
Blasting
Class Code 1330 covers blasting operations involving explosives used for rock removal, quarrying, controlled demolition and related handling or initiation systems. This classification matters because blasting work has high-severity loss potential and specialized regulatory, training and site-control requirements; the September 1, 2026 pure premium rate is $3.021 per $100 of payroll.
What Class Code 1330 Covers
This class applies to on-site blasting operations where chemical explosives or blasting agents are used to fracture, dislodge or demolish rock, concrete or other materials. Typical activities include drilling blast holes, charging holes with dynamite, ANFO or packaged explosives, installing initiation systems (electrical or non-electric), stemming and tamping, conducting pre-blast surveys, post-blast inspections and clearing/exclusion-zone enforcement. It covers both surface and limited underground blasting when performed by the blasting crew, including quarry, construction demolition, pipeline right-of-way rock removal and certain mining support operations. Routine site cleanup by non-blasting crews or mechanical demolition without explosives should be classified separately. Storage, transport and handling of explosives on site as part of the crew's duties are also within this classification.
Who It Applies To
- Licensed blasters and blaster-in-charge working on construction, quarry, demolition or mining sites
- Blast crew members and shotfirers who charge holes, set initiation systems and stem blasts
- Specialty blasting contractors performing rock scaling, pre-split blasting and quarry production
- Pipeline and utility contractors who use explosives for right-of-way rock removal
- Civil demolition firms that use controlled explosives for structure removal and implosion work
Common Job Duties
- Planning and mapping blast patterns and shot sequences
- Drilling blast holes and measuring depths/angles
- Charging holes with explosives or blasting agents and placing detonators/initiators
- Stemming/tamping holes, setting exclusion zones and establishing firing lines
- Transporting, storing and accounting for explosive materials on site
- Performing pre-blast notifications, evacuations and post-blast inspections
- Maintaining blasting records, permits and coordination with local authorities
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $3.021 Rate
The pure premium rate of $3.021 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved base cost that represents expected claim costs for employees in this classification. Insurers use this pure premium, multiplied by your payroll for workers assigned to Code 1330, as the starting point; the final premium you pay will also reflect your insurer's expense load, your employer experience modification, schedule or merit adjustments, payroll audits and any state assessments.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Blasting operations in California must follow Cal/OSHA Title 8 safety orders and applicable local permit and storage rules; employers are expected to maintain written blasting plans, perform pre-blast surveys, control exclusion zones and provide PPE and noise protection. Compliance also includes proper explosive storage, transport documentation and coordination with the State Fire Marshal/local authorities for permits, plus training and competency verification for the blaster-in-charge and assistants.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 1330
A PEO like Key HR helps employers with Code 1330 by ensuring workers are correctly classified for payroll reporting, providing access to specialized loss-control consults and blasting-specific safety training, and managing timely claims handling and return-to-work programs that protect your experience modification. Key HR can also assist with OSHA/permit documentation, drug-screening programs, and aggregating best-practice safety resources to reduce costly losses and stabilize workers' comp costs.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are all quarry and mine employees classified under 1330?
No. Only employees who perform blasting, charge holes, handle or initiate explosives should be assigned to Code 1330. Support staff, heavy equipment operators, truck drivers and maintenance workers should be reported in their appropriate separate classifications.
What training and permits are required to do blasting work in California?
Blasting requires a qualified, designated blaster-in-charge, documented site-specific blasting plans, pre-blast surveys, exclusion zone procedures, and compliance with state and local explosive storage and permit requirements. Employers must train crew members on handling, initiation systems, misfire procedures, and PPE; Key HR can help document and deliver training programs.
How can we reduce workers' comp costs for blasting operations?
Focus on injury prevention: hire qualified blasters, enforce exclusion zones, use blast mats and remote initiation, implement hearing and respiratory protection, document pre/post-blast inspections and manage claims aggressively with early return-to-work plans. Strong safety programs and low-severity claim history reduce your experience modification and lower overall premium.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 1330
- Classification
- Blasting
- Pure Premium Rate
- $3.021 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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