Class Code 2819
Truss Or Building Components Mfg – Wood
Class code 2819 covers manufacturing of wood trusses and prefabricated building components in California — a production-focused classification with specific machine, material handling, and dust hazards. Understanding this code matters because the approved pure premium rate is $5.948 per $100 of payroll and directly affects how much a shop pays for workers' comp.
What Class Code 2819 Covers
This classification applies to facilities that cut, fabricate, assemble, plate and finish wood trusses, roof and floor truss components, and other prefabricated wood building components in a shop environment. Typical operations include raw lumber breakdown, automated and manual nailing or plate pressing, CNC cutting or routing, sanding/finishing, stacking, and loading for delivery. The code covers production employees working on the shop floor — machine operators, assemblers, press operators, saw operators, and material handlers. It does not cover carpentry crews who install trusses and components at construction sites; those erection/installation activities are classified separately. Clerical personnel working exclusively in an office are generally classified under a separate clerical code.
Who It Applies To
- Manufacturers of prefabricated wood roof, floor, and wall trusses
- Shops producing engineered wood components and gang-nailed trusses
- Production assemblers and press operators in truss fabrication plants
- Sawmill or CNC operators who cut and shape truss members
- Forklift drivers and material handlers who stack and load trusses
- Shop supervisors or lead hands responsible for production lines
Common Job Duties
- Cutting and trimming lumber and engineered members to layout dimensions
- Laying out truss designs and positioning members on assembly jigs
- Installing gang nail plates and operating plate presses or hydraulic presses
- Operating table saws, chop saws, band saws, CNC routers and sanders
- Nailing, stapling, and fastening components with pneumatic tools
- Stacking, bracing and loading finished trusses onto trucks using forklifts
- Performing routine maintenance, cleaning sawdust, and prepping parts for shipment
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.948 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $5.948 per $100 of payroll estimates only the expected cost of losses (medical and indemnity) for this class. Insurers apply this pure premium as the base and add loading for expenses, risk charge, and profit; they then adjust final premiums by your experience modification, deductible selections, payroll audits and any classification errors. Safety programs, claims management, and accurate class assignment all influence the ultimate premium your business pays.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requires manufacturers to maintain an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and to implement machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and powered industrial truck/operator training where applicable. Shops must control wood dust through ventilation, housekeeping and respiratory protection programs, maintain a hearing conservation program for high-noise areas, and provide PPE and training for saw and press hazards. Regular maintenance, documented training records, and competent person inspections are key for compliance.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 2819
A PEO like Key HR can help reduce workers' comp costs by ensuring correct class assignments and payroll reporting, managing claims promptly to limit indemnity exposure, and implementing return-to-work and light-duty programs to shorten disability durations. Key HR also supports safety program development, Cal/OSHA-focused training (machine guarding, lockout/tagout, respirator and hearing programs), and can leverage broader claims data and loss prevention resources to lower your experience modification over time.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Do installation crews who set trusses on job sites belong in class 2819?
No. Class 2819 covers shop manufacturing of trusses and components. Field installation, erection, or carpentry work is typically classified under a separate construction or carpentry code; those employees should be recorded and rated separately to avoid misclassification.
What practical steps can my truss shop take to reduce workers' comp premiums?
Focus on preventing severe injuries: install and maintain machine guarding, enforce lockout/tagout, implement mechanical aids and lifting procedures to reduce manual handling, control wood dust and noise, provide task-specific PPE and documented training, and create a formal return-to-work program. Accurate job classifications and timely, proactive claims management also lower costs and improve your experience mod.
Are office staff at a truss manufacturer included in this class code?
No. Office and clerical employees are normally excluded from production classifications and are assigned a clerical code (for example, clerical office employees) with a much lower rate. Be sure payroll is segmented correctly during audits to avoid overpaying.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 2819
- Classification
- Truss Or Building Components Mfg – Wood
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.948 / $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 2819?
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