Class Code 1925
Die Casting Mfg
Class Code 1925 covers die casting manufacturing operations in California, including melting, injecting molten metal into dies, trimming, machining, and finishing cast parts. The approved pure premium rate is $12.130 per $100 of payroll, which reflects the higher frequency and severity of claims typical in die casting operations.
What Class Code 1925 Covers
This classification applies to facilities that produce metal castings by forcing molten metal under pressure into reusable steel dies. Typical operations include melting aluminum, zinc or other nonferrous alloys in pot or crucible furnaces, high‑pressure injection into dies, die changeovers and maintenance, trimming/fettling and surface finishing, shot blasting, heat treatment and in‑plant machining of castings. It covers workers who operate pressure die casting machines, furnace and ladle operators, die setters and maintenance techs, trim and finishing crews, and in‑line machinists and inspectors when these tasks occur as part of a die casting plant. Ancillary activities unique to die casting — such as moisture control to prevent steam explosions, use of metal‑specific lubricants and die release agents, and handling heavy dies — are part of the classification.
Who It Applies To
- Aluminum or zinc die casting foundries producing automotive, HVAC, electronics, or consumer components
- High‑pressure die casting machine operators and press attendants
- Furnace operators, melters and ladle/pour operators
- Die maintenance technicians, mold setters and toolroom machinists
- Trim, fettling, shot‑blast, deburring and finishing crews
- In‑plant CNC machinists and assembly workers handling cast parts
Common Job Duties
- Operating high‑pressure die casting machines and cycle monitoring
- Melting, skimming and transferring molten metal with furnaces and ladles
- Installing, aligning and changing heavy steel dies and die components
- Trimming flash, cutting gates, grinding and shot blasting castings
- Set‑up and machining of cast parts on CNC or manual equipment
- Cleaning dies, removing slag, and maintaining furnaces and crucibles
- Inspecting parts for porosity, dimensions and surface defects
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $12.130 Rate
The pure premium rate of $12.130 per $100 of payroll is the portion of premium that covers expected claim costs for this class. Insurers multiply that rate by an employer's payroll for workers assigned to Class 1925 to produce the base loss cost; the final premium then includes insurer loading, California's assigned expense constants, the employer's experience modification, schedule credits/debits, and any policy or PEO fees. Accurate classification, robust safety programs and a lower claims history can materially reduce the actual premium an employer pays.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Die casting employers must follow Cal/OSHA General Industry requirements (Title 8) including machine guarding, control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), respiratory protection and ventilation for metal fumes, Hazard Communication for alloys and release agents, and PPE for molten metal work. California also requires a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and applicable training, exposure monitoring and medical surveillance when employees face metal‑fume or noise exposures above permissible limits.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 1925
A PEO like Key HR provides centralized workers' comp administration, targeted loss‑control services and California‑specific compliance expertise to die casting employers. Key HR can run OSHA‑aligned safety audits, deliver task‑specific training (molten metal handling, LOTO, respirator use), manage claims and return‑to‑work programs to protect experience modification, and coordinate payroll/audit work to ensure accurate classification and premium allocation.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does grinding, machining or assembly of castings fall under Class 1925?
Yes — when machining, grinding, or assembly are performed within the die casting facility as part of producing finished cast parts, those payrolls are generally included in Class 1925. Separate machining shops that process castings as a distinct service may be classified differently.
What are the most effective steps to reduce workers' comp costs for a die casting plant?
Implement engineering controls (local exhaust ventilation, automated handling), strict LOTO and die‑change procedures, mandatory PPE (face shields, heat‑resistant gloves, hearing protection), written training and IIPP compliance, plus early return‑to‑work and proactive claims management to limit indemnity costs and preserve the experience modification.
When is respiratory protection or medical surveillance required in die casting?
Respiratory protection is required when ventilation and other controls cannot keep metal‑fume or particulate exposures below Cal/OSHA permissible limits; employers must implement a respirator program and provide medical surveillance when exposure monitoring shows concentrations above action levels or when respirators are required.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 1925
- Classification
- Die Casting Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $12.130 / $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 1925?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.