Class Code 2759
Wooden Box Or Container Mfg
California WCIRB class code 2759 covers businesses that manufacture wooden boxes, crates, cases and small wooden containers. The approved pure premium is $6.101 per $100 of payroll, which is the baseline measure used to price workers' compensation for these operations.
What Class Code 2759 Covers
Class 2759 applies to facilities that cut, shape, assemble and finish solid wood boxes, crates, packing cases, wooden component containers and similar wooden packaging. Typical operations include sawing lumber, planing, routing, nailing or stapling assemblies, gluing and drying, sanding, applying finishes, and packaging completed units. The classification covers on-site machine work (table saws, band saws, jointers, planers), manual assembly benches, and light finishing booths; it does not automatically include separate trucking or long-haul delivery operations. Work performed in small shops and larger production lines is included so long as primary payroll exposure is for building wooden boxes or containers.
Who It Applies To
- Small and medium wooden box and crate manufacturers
- Carpenters and bench assemblers working on box production
- Machine operators (saws, planers, sanders, routers) in box shops
- Finishers and painters applying sealers, stains, and coatings
- Material handlers and in-plant forklift operators tied to production
Common Job Duties
- Cutting and ripping lumber to size on table saws and band saws
- Routing, planing and sanding panels to specified tolerances
- Assembling box components using nail guns, staples, screws and adhesives
- Applying adhesives, sealers or paints and operating drying racks
- Stacking, palletizing and preparing crates for shipment
- Inspecting parts for defects and performing quality checks
- Operating in-plant forklifts and manual material handling
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $6.101 Rate
The pure premium rate of $6.101 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved baseline that represents expected loss cost for this classification. To estimate premium multiply your payroll for workers in class 2759 by 0.06101 (for example, $100,000 payroll x 0.06101 = $6,101). The final premium you pay will also reflect your experience modification, insurer expense loads, policy fees, credits or debits, and any group or PEO discounts.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Employers in class 2759 must implement Cal/OSHA-required programs such as an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), machine guarding, lockout/tagout and hazard communication for adhesives and finishes. Where wood dust or solvent exposures exceed permissible limits, employers must provide respiratory protection, exposure monitoring and housekeeping controls to limit combustible dust hazards. Hearing conservation, PPE (eye protection, cut-resistant gloves), and forklift/operator training are commonly required.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 2759
A PEO like Key HR can reduce total workers' comp cost by centralizing payroll allocation, providing industry-specific loss control templates, and handling claims advocacy to speed recovery and limit indemnity exposure. Key HR also delivers tailored safety training (machine guarding, dust control, ergonomic lifting), return-to-work programs and direct access to workers' comp experts who work with your insurer to control reserves and resolve claims faster.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are delivery drivers or outside truckers included under class 2759?
No — class 2759 covers on-site manufacturing of wooden boxes and related in-plant operations. Employees who perform transportation or long-haul deliveries are generally assigned a separate transportation class. Short-term delivery work performed regularly by payroll employees should be discussed with your agent to assign proper payroll to the correct class.
How can a wooden box manufacturer lower workers' comp premiums?
Key steps include reducing incidents through machine guarding and lockout/tagout, controlling wood dust with local exhaust and housekeeping, instituting a formal return-to-work/light-duty program, and investing in employee training. Improved claims reporting and partnering with a PEO for safety programs and claims management also lower experience modifiers over time.
Does working with finishes and adhesives require a respiratory program?
If air monitoring shows exposures above Cal/OSHA permissible exposure limits for wood dust or solvent vapors, you must implement engineering controls and a respiratory protection program. Even below limits, good practice is to control dust with local exhaust, use lower-VOC products when feasible, and maintain proper PPE and training.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 2759
- Classification
- Wooden Box Or Container Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $6.101 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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