Class Code 1710
Stone Crushing
Class Code 1710 covers stone crushing operations — the fixed and mobile plants that reduce rock, gravel and aggregate into sized material. For California employers this classification matters because it carries specific dust, machine and noise hazards and a September 1, 2026 pure premium rate of $4.220 per $100 of payroll.
What Class Code 1710 Covers
This classification applies to operations that crush and screen stone and rock into aggregates: primary, secondary and tertiary crushers, vibrating screens, conveyors, hoppers and associated stockpiles and washing systems. It includes fixed crushing plants at quarries and mines as well as mobile and portable crushing units used on construction sites, demolition projects, and aggregate recycling locations. Covered workers are those who operate, feed, inspect, maintain and repair crushers and screening equipment, manage conveyor lines, and perform material handling directly at the crushing plant. Activities such as sample testing and managing dust suppression or slurry/wash systems are included when performed as part of the crushing operation.
Who It Applies To
- Quarry and aggregate plant operators and owners
- Mobile/portable crushing contractors on demolition or construction sites
- Crusher operators, screen operators and conveyor operators
- Plant mechanics and maintenance technicians who service crushers
- Material handlers and laborers working at crushing and screening plants
Common Job Duties
- Feeding rock into hoppers and primary/secondary crushers using shovels or loaders
- Operating jaw, cone, impact and roll crushers and adjusting crusher settings
- Inspecting, cleaning and maintaining conveyors, screens and crushers
- Setting up and operating dust suppression systems and water sprays
- Loading and unloading aggregate stockpiles and trucks
- Performing preventive maintenance, replacing wear parts, and lockout/tagout during repairs
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $4.220 Rate
The pure premium rate of $4.220 per $100 of payroll is the portion of premium intended to cover expected claim costs for Class Code 1710. To estimate payroll-based premium multiply your workers' payroll for employees in this class by 0.04220 (for example, $100,000 payroll x 0.04220 = $4,220). Insurers then apply expense loads, policy fees, experience modification factors, schedule ratings, and any deductibles or retrospective adjustments, so the final premium an employer pays will usually differ from the pure premium calculation.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Stone crushing operations are subject to Cal/OSHA requirements for controlling respirable crystalline silica, including exposure assessment, feasible engineering controls, respiratory protection, and medical surveillance when action levels are exceeded. Employers must also comply with machine guarding and lockout/tagout practices, hearing conservation programs, hazard communication for fuels and lubricants, and safe work procedures for confined spaces, maintenance, and dust suppression. Regular monitoring, training, and documented written programs are required to meet California enforcement expectations.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 1710
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in Class Code 1710 by implementing targeted safety programs (silica controls, hearing conservation, machine guarding), managing claims and return-to-work plans to reduce indemnity costs, and ensuring accurate payroll classification to avoid misclassification surcharges. Key HR can also coordinate respirator programs, OSHA logkeeping, on-site audits and training — all of which help lower experience modification factors and overall workers' comp expense.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 1710 include blasting and explosives used to break rock?
No. Class Code 1710 covers crushing and screening operations. Handling and use of explosives or blasting operations are typically classified separately and require specialized licensing, separate insurance considerations, and additional safety and regulatory controls.
What are the most effective ways to lower workers' comp costs for a crushing plant?
Focus on engineering controls (water sprays, enclosures, local exhaust), robust machine guarding and lockout/tagout, an active hearing conservation and respiratory protection program, preventive maintenance to reduce failures, documented training, and an established light-duty return-to-work program. These measures reduce claim frequency and severity and improve your experience modification factor.
What PPE and medical monitoring should crushing plant employers provide?
Provide appropriately rated respirators where silica controls are insufficient, hearing protection, eye protection, cut- and crush-resistant gloves, steel-toe boots, and high-visibility clothing. If monitoring shows exposures above Cal/OSHA action levels, implement medical surveillance, fit testing, and periodic pulmonary function testing as required.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 1710
- Classification
- Stone Crushing
- Pure Premium Rate
- $4.220 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
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