Class Code 3131
Clothing Button/Fastener Mfg; Engraving; Wine Bottle Cork Mfg
Class Code 3131 covers manufacturing operations that produce clothing buttons and fasteners, precision engraving work, and wine bottle cork production. This classification groups small-component stamping and forming, engraving operations, and cork processing under a single rate of $4.095 per $100 of payroll for California employers.
What Class Code 3131 Covers
This classification includes shops that stamp, mold, machine or assemble buttons, snaps, rivets and similar fasteners from metal, plastic or shell; engraving operations that perform hand, rotary, laser or chemical etching on metal, plastic or wood for nameplates, tags and precision components; and wine bottle cork manufacturing that mills, sands, boils, grinds and forms natural or agglomerated corks. Typical processes covered are metal stamping and pressing, molding and trimming of plastic buttons, polishing and plating finishes, rotary or laser engraving, chemical etching, cork grinding, steaming, molding with binders and curing. The code applies to both small specialty shops and larger production lines that use conveyor systems, presses, ovens and finishing equipment. Maintenance of presses and molds, quality inspection and packaging tasks tied to these core operations are included when performed by employees assigned to the production work.
Who It Applies To
- Independent button, snap and fastener manufacturers (metal, plastic, shell)
- Specialty engraving shops (rotary, laser, chemical etching) producing plates, tags or component engraving
- Wine bottle cork producers (natural cork processing and agglomerated cork manufacturing)
- Small-batch apparel component shops producing buttons and closures
- Precision part shops that combine stamping and engraving for accessories
- Production machine operators, assemblers and production line workers in the above facilities
Common Job Duties
- Operating stamping presses, punch dies and molding equipment to cut or form buttons and fasteners
- Running rotary, laser or CNC engraving machines and performing etching/finishing operations
- Sanding, grinding, boiling, molding and curing cork material; mixing binders for agglomerated cork
- Trimming, deburring, polishing, plating and surface finishing of small metal or plastic components
- Packaging, counting and inspecting finished parts for quality control
- Routine machine setup, die changes and press maintenance (often requiring lockout/tagout)
- Material handling of raw stock and finished product on conveyors or with hand tools
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $4.095 Rate
The pure premium rate of $4.095 per $100 of payroll represents the expected cost of workers' compensation losses for Class Code 3131 before insurer expenses and assessments. To estimate your premium, multiply payroll for employees in this class by the rate (payroll/100 x 4.095); insurers then add expense loads, state assessments, experience modification factors and any policy-level adjustments. Final premium is affected by your loss history, payroll mix, safety programs, classification accuracy and participation in group or schedule rating plans.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements commonly applicable include machine guarding and startup/lockout-tagout (control of hazardous energy) for presses and rotating equipment, respirator and ventilation controls for cork dust and solvent exposures, and hearing conservation where noise from presses or grinders exceeds limits. Hazard communication must cover adhesives, solvents and binder materials used in agglomerated cork, and employers should implement dust-control, local exhaust ventilation and eye protection programs specific to sanding, grinding and laser engraving operations.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 3131
A PEO like Key HR can help employers in this class improve classification accuracy, centralize payroll reporting, and implement industry-specific loss-control programs such as machine-guard audits, lockout/tagout procedures and dust-control plans. Key HR also provides coordinated claims management, return-to-work programs, safety training tailored to stamping, engraving and cork-processing hazards, and can help negotiate better pricing and experience modifiers through consolidated purchasing and proactive risk management.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does laser engraving fall under Class Code 3131, or is it a different classification?
Laser and rotary engraving activities that produce nameplates, tags or component markings are generally included in Class Code 3131 when they are part of engraving operations described by the WCIRB. If engraving is incidental to another predominant operation, classification should reflect the primary work. Discuss specifics with your insurer or PEO to ensure correct coding.
How can a small button or cork producer reduce workers' comp premiums?
Focus on preventing the common loss types: install and maintain machine guards, enforce lockout/tagout for setup and maintenance, control dust with local exhaust, provide appropriate PPE and respiratory protection, and document safety training. Implementing return-to-work programs and partnering with a PEO for consolidated payroll and claims management can also lower experience modifiers over time.
Are maintenance and repair technicians covered under this class code?
Dedicated maintenance and repair technicians are often coded separately because their duties and risk profile differ from production employees. However, routine setup and minor maintenance performed by production staff is usually included in the production classification. Verify job descriptions with your insurer or Key HR to ensure accurate classification.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 3131
- Classification
- Clothing Button/Fastener Mfg; Engraving; Wine Bottle Cork Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $4.095 / $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 3131?
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