Class Code 2852
Window Blind Mfg Or Assembly
Class code 2852 applies to manufacturers and assemblers of window blinds and shades in California, covering operations from slat forming and sewing to motorized unit assembly. The approved pure premium rate is $9.330 per $100 of payroll, which directly influences workers' compensation costs for these operations.
What Class Code 2852 Covers
This classification applies to on-site manufacturing and assembly of window blinds, shades, and related hardware. Typical activities include cutting and shaping slats (wood, PVC, aluminum), sewing fabric shades, assembling headrails, inserting cords and lift systems, wiring and testing motors for motorized blinds, fastening components, finishing (powder coating, painting, varnishing), and packaging for shipment. It includes light fabrication like drilling, punching, riveting, and the operation of shears, saws, presses, sewing machines, small CNC or punch presses used to form metal or plastic parts. Work performed in a factory or dedicated assembly plant by production, assembly, quality control, and material handling employees falls under this code; outside installers, salespeople, and clerical staff are typically classified separately.
Who It Applies To
- Manufacturers producing slatted blinds, roller shades, roman shades, and related window coverings
- Factory assembly workers who install cords, ladders, rails, and control mechanisms
- Employees who sew or fabricate fabric shades and attach mounting hardware
- Technicians who assemble and wire motorized blind units and test electrical functions
- Finish shop staff performing painting, powder coating, varnishing, or adhesive bonding
- Material handlers and packers working inside the manufacturing facility
Common Job Duties
- Cutting and forming slats using saws, shears, or CNC equipment
- Operating sewing machines to construct fabric shades or valances
- Assembling headrails, brackets, cords, ladders, and tilt mechanisms
- Installing and wiring low-voltage motors, switches, and controllers for motorized blinds
- Operating presses, riveters, drills, and punch machines for hardware fabrication
- Applying finishes: painting, powder coating, varnishing, or adhesive bonding
- Packing finished units and moving product with pallet jacks or forklifts
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $9.330 Rate
The pure premium rate of $9.330 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved cost to cover expected claim losses for this classification before insurer loadings. To estimate premium, multiply payroll for class 2852 by the rate (payroll/100 x 9.330) and then apply carrier-specific expense and profit multipliers, experience modification, and any deductible or retrospective adjustments. Final premium is affected by your claims history (mod), loss prevention programs, payroll misclassification, and whether you separate higher-risk tasks into different classes.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Key Cal/OSHA priorities for window blind manufacturing include a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), machine guarding and safe operation of presses and saws, control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) during maintenance, and hazard communication for paints, solvents, adhesives and powder coatings. Respiratory protection, ventilation for finishing operations, hearing conservation where noise is high, and proper ergonomics and lifting controls should also be part of the employer's compliance and training program.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 2852
A PEO like Key HR helps manufacturers under class 2852 by consolidating workers' comp purchasing, administering claims, and delivering targeted loss-prevention programs (machine guarding audits, ergonomics training, electrical safety for motorized assembly). Key HR can also help properly classify payroll by job task, implement return-to-work plans to reduce indemnity exposure, and leverage pooled experience to obtain more competitive pricing for California employers.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are installation and field service workers included in class 2852?
No. Class 2852 is for on-site manufacturing and assembly in a factory. Installers and field service technicians who travel to customer sites are generally assigned a different classification reflecting outside or installation exposures and should be reported separately to avoid misclassification.
How can we lower our workers' comp costs for blind manufacturing?
Focus on reducing claims frequency and severity: implement machine guarding and lockout/tagout, provide PPE and electrical safety training for motorized assembly, establish an ergonomics program for repetitive tasks, accurately separate clerical and installation payroll, and maintain prompt claim reporting and early return-to-work options. Experience modification and premium audits will reflect these efforts.
Does work on motorized blinds change the classification or rate?
Motorized assembly remains within 2852 when performed inside the manufacturing facility, but it does add electrical and testing hazards that can increase claim severity. Insurers will consider these exposures when underwriting; mitigating controls like trained electrical technicians and testing protocols can reduce the impact on your premiums.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 2852
- Classification
- Window Blind Mfg Or Assembly
- Pure Premium Rate
- $9.330 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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