Class Code 2790
Pattern Or Model Mfg
Class code 2790 covers businesses that manufacture patterns, models, and master templates used for casting, molding, tooling and prototyping. This classification captures the unique mix of woodworking, light machining, composite layup and finishing tasks performed in small shops and toolrooms. The approved pure premium rate is $1.828 per $100 of payroll, which is a starting point for workers' comp costs in California.
What Class Code 2790 Covers
Class 2790 specifically applies to shops that build patterns and models used to create molds, dies, castings or production tooling. Typical operations include woodworking and metal pattern making (wood, plastic, aluminum, or composite master patterns), pattern repair and fitting, matchplate and core box fabrication, modelmaking for prototypes and jigs, and finishing activities such as sanding, painting, coating and surface treatments. Work often combines manual carpentry (planers, saws, routers), light machine shop work (lathes, mills, CNC routers), composite/resin layup, and precise measuring and fitting for foundry and injection-molding applications. The code covers both one-off prototype model work and small-run pattern production but does not extend to high-volume production molding or heavy manufacturing operations that belong in other codes.
Who It Applies To
- Independent pattern shops that supply foundries, die casters or moldmakers
- Modelmakers creating masters for injection molding, thermoforming, or composites
- Toolrooms and prototyping shops producing jigs, fixtures and matchplates
- Wooden pattern makers and core box fabricators working with metalcasting shops
- Film/architectural prop shops when the primary business is pattern/model fabrication
Common Job Duties
- Shaping and assembling wooden, plastic or metal pattern components using saws, routers, planers and hand tools
- CNC routing, light milling and finishing of master patterns and prototype parts
- Sanding, grinding, filing and surface preparation for plating, coating or release-agent application
- Composite layup, resin work and post-cure trimming for fiberglass or carbon-fiber models
- Accurate measuring, templating and fitting to ensure final patterns match tooling tolerances
- Pattern repair, matchplate assembly and trial fitting with molds or cores
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $1.828 Rate
The pure premium rate of $1.828 per $100 of payroll is the amount the WCIRB has approved to cover expected claim costs for Class 2790 before insurer expense loads and credits. To calculate a pure premium, multiply payroll by 0.01828 (for example, $100,000 payroll x 0.01828 = $1,828). The actual premium a California employer pays will reflect insurer expense multipliers, the employer's experience modification, classification accuracy, payroll audits, and any policy discounts or retrospective rating plans.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Pattern and model shops must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) per Cal/OSHA requirements and ensure machinery guarding and safe operation of woodworking and light machine tools. Key Cal/OSHA standards to address include respiratory protection (8 CCR 5144) for dusts and fumes, Hazard Communication (8 CCR 5194) for resins and solvents, and control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) procedures. Regular ventilation, dust collection, PPE, housekeeping to control combustible dust, and machine guarding are frequent focus areas in Cal/OSHA inspections for these shops.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 2790
A PEO like Key HR helps pattern and model shops by ensuring correct payroll classification, bundling safety and claims management services, and implementing industry-specific loss-control programs (IIPP, respiratory programs, machine-guarding audits). Key HR can manage timely claims reporting, return-to-work programs to limit indemnity exposure, and access group purchasing and underwriting relationships that often reduce the effective workers' comp cost beyond the pure premium.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Do 3D printing and CNC prototyping activities fall under Class 2790?
Yes, if the primary business activity is manufacturing patterns or models (including CNC-routed masters and 3D-printed prototypes) used to produce molds, tooling or masters, those operations are typically classified to 2790. If the shop's principal work is large-scale production rather than model/pattern fabrication, a different class may apply. Always confirm with your insurer or PEO during underwriting.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs for a pattern/model shop?
Focus on engineering controls (dust collection, machine guards), a written IIPP, respiratory and chemical safety programs, formal lockout/tagout, PPE enforcement, and a light-duty return-to-work plan. Accurate payroll reporting by class and proactive claims handling also lower experience modification and premium over time.
Are seasonal or temporary modelmakers covered under this class code?
Workers are classified by the work they perform while on the payroll. Seasonal or temporary employees performing pattern or model fabrication tasks should be included under Class 2790. Using a PEO can simplify coverage for temporary staff by consolidating payroll, workers' comp coverage and ensuring proper classification during audits.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 2790
- Classification
- Pattern Or Model Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $1.828 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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