Class Code 4243
Box Mfg – Paper Or Cardboard – Folding
Class Code 4243 applies to businesses that fold paper or cardboard into boxes and cartons. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium is $4.543 per $100 of payroll — a baseline cost metric employers should factor into budgeting and safety investment decisions.
What Class Code 4243 Covers
This classification covers operations that convert pre-cut, printed, or blank paperboard and light cardboard into finished folding cartons or boxes. Typical workflows include feeding sheets, operating folder-gluer and carton-erector machines, hand-folding and gluing small runs, tab insertion, bundling and packing finished cartons, and routine machine set-up and cleaning. The code is focused on folding and forming operations for paperboard/boxboard products (not heavy corrugated box manufacturing). Activities such as quality inspection, packing, palletizing of stacked cartons, and in-line minor adjustments are included when performed in the same operation.
Who It Applies To
- Small and mid-size folding carton manufacturers (paperboard/boxboard)
- Printer-finishing shops that fold and form printed cartons
- Contract packagers who assemble and fold paperboard boxes
- Folder-gluer and carton-erector machine operators
- Hand finishing staff who fold, glue, and pack cartons
- Maintenance techs who do routine shop-floor machine setup and cleaning
Common Job Duties
- Operating folder-gluer and carton-erector machines and feeding stock
- Manual hand-folding, gluing, and tab setting on short runs or specialty cartons
- Setting up machines, adjusting guides, changing tooling and parts
- Inspecting finished boxes for quality, creasing, and glue adhesion
- Stacking, palletizing and moving finished cartons with pallet jacks or forklifts
- Routine cleaning, removing scrap, and performing minor machine maintenance
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $4.543 Rate
The pure premium rate of $4.543 per $100 of payroll is the insurer's estimated cost of future losses before expenses and adjustments. To calculate pure premium: total payroll divided by 100, multiplied by 4.543 (for example, $100,000 payroll = 1,000 x $4.543 = $4,543 pure premium). Final premium includes insurer expense loadings, any experience modification or loss-free credits, deductible choices, and state residual assessments or discounts.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Employers in this classification must maintain an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and comply with Cal/OSHA machine guarding and lockout/tagout requirements to control moving parts and stored energy during service. Hazard Communication for adhesives and solvents, ventilation for solvent fumes and dust control, PPE (cut-resistant gloves, eye protection), and training for safe machine operation and material handling are also essential under California rules.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 4243
A PEO like Key HR helps employers reduce workers' comp costs by centralizing claims management, delivering California-specific loss-control audits and machine-guarding assessments, and providing standardized safety training and return-to-work programs. Key HR also manages payroll reporting, classification reviews, and insurer negotiations so folding carton employers minimize audit surprises and qualify for experience credits.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 4243 include corrugated box folding?
Class Code 4243 is intended for folding and forming paperboard or light cardboard (folding cartons/boxboard). Heavy corrugated manufacturing and large corrugator operations are typically classified differently; confirm with your insurer or Key HR for the correct code if you handle corrugated materials.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp losses for box folding operations?
Key steps include machine guarding upgrades, a formal lockout/tagout program, cut-resistant gloves and blade safety protocols, ergonomic job redesign or lift-assist for pallet handling, routine preventative maintenance, and training on adhesive handling and dust control—all reduce frequency and severity of claims.
Are maintenance and setup technicians included under this code?
Routine setup, cleaning, and minor maintenance performed by shop employees working on the folding operations are generally included in the classification. Extensive mechanical repairs or off-site machine rebuilds may warrant a separate maintenance or repair classification—review specific duties with Key HR to ensure correct rating.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 4243
- Classification
- Box Mfg – Paper Or Cardboard – Folding
- Pure Premium Rate
- $4.543 / $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 4243?
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