Class Code 3400
Metal Goods Mfg
Class Code 3400 covers manufacturers who produce finished metal goods through cutting, forming, welding, machining, assembly and finishing operations. For California employers this classification carries an approved pure premium rate of $6.810 per $100 of payroll, which reflects the underlying loss cost tied to these industrial operations.
What Class Code 3400 Covers
This classification applies to establishments that fabricate, machine, form, assemble and finish metal products such as metal cabinets, furniture, small enclosures, brackets, housings, small stamped parts and other fabricated metal goods. Typical operations include shearing, stamping, press brake forming, punching, CNC machining, welding (MIG/TIG/arc), grinding, deburring, surface finishing (painting, powder coating, plating) and assembly of metal components. It covers both light fabrication shops and integrated production lines where the primary business is manufacturing metal goods rather than heavy structural steel erection or foundry work. Routine shop support activities tied directly to production—materials handling, packaging and preventative maintenance of machines—are included when performed by on-premises employees.
Who It Applies To
- Job shops producing stamped or fabricated metal components
- Manufacturers of metal furniture, cabinets, and enclosures
- Contract fabricators making brackets, frames, and housings
- CNC machine operators and press operators in metal goods shops
- Welders, finishers, and assemblers employed in metal product lines
Common Job Duties
- Operating punch presses, shears and press brakes to cut and form sheet metal
- CNC set-up and machining of metal parts, tooling changes and inspection
- Performing MIG/TIG/arc welding, brazing and soldering on assemblies
- Grinding, deburring, sanding and surface preparation for finishing
- Applying finishes: paint booths, powder coating lines, or electroplating prep
- Material handling: loading/unloading coils, lifting assemblies, packaging for shipment
- Routine preventive maintenance, tool changes and machine cleaning
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $6.810 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $6.810 per $100 of payroll represents the expected loss cost for claims only; insurers add their expense loads, state assessments and may apply experience modifications to arrive at the premium you pay. Employers calculate base premium by multiplying payroll (divided by 100) by the pure premium rate, then adjust for EMR, deductibles, policy fees and any carrier-specific credits or debits.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
California employers in metal goods manufacturing must follow Cal/OSHA Title 8 General Industry requirements, including a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), machine guarding, lockout/tagout for equipment servicing, welding and hot work safety, hazard communication (GHS) for chemicals and respiratory protection when exposures exceed limits. Employers should also comply with noise exposure limits and provide training, fit testing and medical surveillance where required.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 3400
A PEO like Key HR (based in Orlando and serving all 50 states, including California) can help metal goods manufacturers reduce workers' comp costs by ensuring correct classification and payroll reporting, implementing targeted loss-control plans (machine guarding, PPE, welding ventilation), managing claims and return-to-work programs, and leveraging group purchasing for safety equipment. Key HR also provides OSHA-focused training, on-site risk assessments and timely claims advocacy to reduce claim duration and experience modification impacts.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 3400 cover small shops that both fabricate and assemble metal cabinets?
Yes — if the primary business is manufacturing fabricated metal goods such as cabinets and the work includes cutting, forming, welding, machining and assembly performed by on-site employees, Class Code 3400 is appropriate. If the operation is primarily structural steel erection, heavy industrial forging, or a foundry, a different class code will apply.
What practical steps will lower my workers' comp exposure in a metal goods shop?
Focus on machine guarding, lockout/tagout, welding fume capture and ventilation, proper PPE (cut-resistant gloves, welding helmets, hearing protection), operator training and ergonomic material handling aids. Early return-to-work programs, regular tool and equipment maintenance, and thorough post-incident investigations also reduce claim frequency and severity.
How does Key HR help with Cal/OSHA compliance specific to metal manufacturing?
Key HR provides Cal/OSHA-focused support including safety program templates, site-specific hazard assessments, hot-work and welding safety plans, respiratory and hearing protection program setup, employee training records, and guidance for IIPP development to help satisfy enforcement expectations and reduce inspection risk.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 3400
- Classification
- Metal Goods Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $6.810 / $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 3400?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.