Class Code 1803
Stone Cutting Or Fabrication
Class Code 1803 covers shop-based stone cutting and fabrication work — cutting, shaping, finishing and polishing natural and engineered stone. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for California is $8.417 per $100 of payroll, a key factor for budgeting workers' compensation costs for fabricators and countertop shops.
What Class Code 1803 Covers
This classification applies to businesses that cut, trim, edge, polish, shape or otherwise fabricate stone slabs and blocks in a shop or yard setting. Typical operations include bridge saw and CNC router cutting, grinding, polishing, honing, seam fitting, edging, template fabrication, and final quality inspection in a fabrication shop. The code covers work on natural stone (granite, marble, limestone) and engineered stone (quartz surfaces) when the primary operation is cutting or finishing in a controlled shop environment. It also covers the handling and staging of heavy slabs in a yard or shop, including use of forklifts, overhead hoists, vacuum lifters and slab carts. Note that on-site countertop installation, masonry or setting work may be classified separately; payroll for installation should be reported under the installer or mason codes when work is performed at customer sites.
Who It Applies To
- Granite and quartz countertop fabrication shops
- Monument, memorial, and stone tile fabrication businesses
- CNC stone router and bridge saw operators
- Shop polishers, grinders and finishers
- Slab yard handlers, forklift and crane operators
- Template technicians and fabrication quality inspectors
Common Job Duties
- Operating bridge saws, water-cooled saws and CNC routers to cut slabs
- Grinding, polishing and edge profiling using grinders and polishers
- Measuring, templating, dry/wet cutting and layout for seams and cutouts
- Loading, unloading and staging heavy stone slabs with forklifts or hoists
- Maintaining water and dust-collection systems and changing diamond blades
- Fitting and adhesive bonding of seams and cutouts during final assembly
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $8.417 Rate
The pure premium rate of $8.417 per $100 of payroll represents the insurer's estimated loss cost for this class in California. To calculate base premium, multiply total payroll for 1803 by the rate (payroll/100 x 8.417). The final premium an employer pays will vary with the insurer's expense load, the employer's experience modification, payroll audit results, classification mix, deductible or retrospective plans, and any credits or group programs offered by a PEO.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requires employers to control worker exposures to hazards common in stone fabrication: crystalline silica controls (written exposure plan, engineering controls such as wet methods and local exhaust, respiratory protection when needed), machine guarding and lockout/tagout for saws and routers, hearing conservation where noise thresholds are exceeded, and fall/crush protections for slab handling. Employers must also provide hazard communication for adhesives and sealers, training on equipment and respiratory use, and maintain records and medical surveillance when exposures trigger Cal/OSHA action levels.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 1803
A PEO like Key HR helps stone fabricators reduce workers' comp costs by combining group purchasing power, proactive loss control services and hands-on claims management. Key HR can deliver site safety audits focused on silica controls, written respirator programs and fit testing, return-to-work and light-duty program design, payroll classification accuracy and timely payroll reporting — all of which lower audit surprises and help control the experience modification.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does countertop installation belong in Class Code 1803?
Not usually. Class Code 1803 applies to shop-based cutting and fabrication. On-site installation and setting at customer locations is typically reported under installer or mason classifications. Keep fabrication shop payroll separate from installation payroll to avoid misclassification.
What steps most reduce workers' comp claims and premiums for stone fabricators?
Prioritize engineering controls: wet cutting and effective local exhaust/HEPA dust collection to control silica, robust machine guarding, safe slab-handling procedures using hoists and vacuum lifters, routine PPE and respirator programs, hearing conservation, and a formal return-to-work plan. Training, documentation and consistent payroll classification also materially reduce audit risk and claims frequency.
Do I need a respirator program and medical surveillance for my shop?
If employees' silica exposures meet or exceed Cal/OSHA action levels or if engineering controls cannot keep exposures below required limits, you must implement a written respiratory protection program with fit testing and medical evaluations and may need to provide medical surveillance. A PEO or safety consultant can help assess exposures and set up compliant programs.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 1803
- Classification
- Stone Cutting Or Fabrication
- Pure Premium Rate
- $8.417 / $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 1803?
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