Class Code 3099
Tool Mfg – Noc
Class code 3099 covers tool manufacturing activities not otherwise classified — businesses that make hand tools, tool components, jigs, fixtures, dies, and related metal tool parts. For California employers this matters because the approved pure premium rate for Sept 1, 2026 is $4.015 per $100 of payroll, which drives the base cost of workers' compensation coverage for these operations.
What Class Code 3099 Covers
This classification applies to shops and small manufacturers whose primary operations are producing, machining, grinding, heat-treating, finishing, assembling, or inspecting tools and tool components that do not fall into a more specific WCIRB class. Typical processes include CNC and manual machining of tool steel, surface and form grinding, heat treating of tool steels, assembly of multi-part hand tools, and finishing operations such as deburring, plating, and coating. It also covers in-house toolmaking for larger manufacturers when the work is performed by a separate tool shop that fabricates dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and prototype tooling. Routine maintenance of toolmaking equipment and bench-level tool repair performed by the same employees is usually included. Work that is primarily forging, large-scale foundry operations, or heavy fabrication may be classified elsewhere.
Who It Applies To
- Independent tool and die shops producing hand tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges
- Small to mid-size manufacturers with an internal tool shop fabricating dies or prototypes
- Precision machining shops that primarily make tool components and tooling inserts
- Companies that assemble and finish hand tools, specialty cutting tools, or punches
- Shops performing heat treating and surface finishing for tool steels
Common Job Duties
- CNC and manual milling, turning and drilling of tool steel and hardened components
- Surface, cylindrical and form grinding of cutting edges, dies and molds
- Heat treating, quenching and tempering of tool steels and metallurgical inspections
- Deburring, polishing, plating, coating and final assembly of hand tools or components
- Tool inspection, bench-fitting, filing, honing and dimensional verification
- Maintaining and operating presses, grinders, lathes, CNC equipment and ovens
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $4.015 Rate
The pure premium rate of $4.015 per $100 of payroll is the approved base cost that reflects expected claim costs for this classification. Insurers multiply that rate by an employer's reported payroll (divided by 100) to calculate the base premium, then apply experience modification, policy audits, state assessments, and insurer expense/load factors to determine the final premium an employer pays. Factors that can raise or lower the final cost include claim frequency/severity, safety programs, job classification accuracy, and premium audit results.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Tool manufacturing operations must follow Cal/OSHA Title 8 requirements for machine guarding, control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), hazard communication for coolants and plating chemicals, and respiratory protection where welding or grinding produces fumes and dust. Employers must implement hearing conservation for noisy operations, maintain ventilation or local exhaust for grinding and heat-treating, and take steps to control crystalline silica exposures when abrasive grinding or finishing generates silica-containing dust.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 3099
A PEO like Key HR can help tool manufacturers control workers' comp costs by ensuring proper worker classification and accurate payroll reporting, delivering targeted loss control services (machine guarding audits, lockout/tagout programs, respirator and hearing programs), and managing claims and return-to-work plans to minimize indemnity and medical costs. Key HR’s centralized claims handling, training resources, and safety expertise help reduce frequency and severity of injuries, which in turn improves experience modification and lowers long-term premiums.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Which employees should I assign to class code 3099 versus another manufacturing class?
Assign employees whose primary duties are making, machining, finishing, assembling, or inspecting tools, dies, jigs and fixtures to 3099. If an employee’s main role is heavy forging, foundry work, or large-scale fabrication, a different class may apply—document job duties and consult your PEO or insurance auditor for correct assignment.
How does the payroll I report affect my workers' comp premium for class 3099?
Premium is calculated by multiplying the $4.015 per $100 pure premium by your reported payroll for employees in class 3099 (payroll/100). Accurate classification and timely payroll reporting on audit prevent unexpected adjustments; subcontractors and leased labor should be handled per policy rules.
What are the most effective loss-prevention steps for tool shops to lower claims?
Prioritize machine guarding and interlocks, enforce lockout/tagout, implement grinding dust controls and local exhaust, maintain a respirator and hearing program, provide PPE and job-specific training, and adopt rapid return-to-work and light-duty plans to reduce claim duration and cost.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 3099
- Classification
- Tool Mfg – Noc
- Pure Premium Rate
- $4.015 / $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 3099?
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