Class Code 4279
Paper Goods Mfg; Bag Mfg
Class Code 4279 applies to paper goods and bag manufacturing operations in California, including converting, cutting, gluing, printing, and bag forming. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate is $6.659 per $100 of payroll, which employers use as the base loss cost to price workers' compensation for these operations.
What Class Code 4279 Covers
This classification covers factories and production lines that manufacture paper bags, paper sacks, and related paper goods or that convert paper rolls into finished bag products. Typical operations include roll handling and unwinding, slitting and rewinding, die-cutting, heat- or adhesive-sealing, automated bag-forming machines, glue and tape application, printing and finishing on bag stock, and packing/palletizing finished bags. It includes machine operators, setup technicians, press operators, finishing and glue line workers, and warehouse staff directly involved in the product flow. It does not generally include purely clerical office workers, sales staff, or unrelated manufacturing processes that have their own WCIRB codes.
Who It Applies To
- Manufacturers of paper grocery bags, paper lunch bags, and paper sacks
- Paper converting plants that slit, die-cut, print, or form bags from roll stock
- Production line operators and machine setup technicians on bag-making equipment
- Finishing and glue-line workers applying adhesives or heat seals
- Shipping, receiving, and warehouse staff who handle palletizing and fork trucks
Common Job Duties
- Operating bag-making and converting machines (feeders, formers, sealers)
- Setting up and adjusting slitter/rewinder, die-cut, and printing equipment
- Applying adhesives, hot-melt glues, or heat sealing and monitoring glue lines
- Loading and unloading heavy paper rolls; material handling and palletizing
- Inspecting finished bags for quality, cutting, and trimming rejects
- Performing routine machine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs
- Operating powered industrial trucks (forklifts) and staging shipments
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $6.659 Rate
The pure premium rate of $6.659 per $100 of payroll represents the estimated cost of future claims for this class before insurer expenses, profit, and other adjustments. Insurers multiply this rate by your reported payroll (divided by 100) to get base loss cost; final employer premiums are then adjusted by experience modification, policy-level debits/credits, underwriting factors, and state assessments. Company-specific factors that change the final premium include your loss history (EMR), payroll allocations to different codes, deductible or large-loss arrangements, and documented safety and return-to-work programs.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA Title 8 General Industry requirements most relevant to paper goods and bag manufacturing include machine guarding and safe operation of nip points, control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) during maintenance, Hazard Communication for inks/adhesives, respiratory protection where dust or solvent exposure exists, hearing conservation programs for noisy equipment, and powered industrial truck operator training and certification. Employers must also maintain OSHA 300/301 injury logs and provide required safety training and PPE documentation specific to these hazards.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 4279
A PEO like Key HR can help manufacturers in Class Code 4279 by ensuring correct payroll classification, implementing machine-specific safety programs, and centralizing claims management to speed medical care and return-to-work. Key HR provides California-focused compliance support (Cal/OSHA training, HAZCOM, respiratory and hearing programs), OSHA logkeeping, and loss-control consulting that can reduce claim frequency and lower experience modification over time.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether my workers belong in Class Code 4279?
Use the actual tasks: employees operating bag-making, slitting, die-cutting, printing, glue lines, or directly forming paper bags and sacks typically belong in 4279. If a worker performs only clerical, sales, or unrelated manufacturing duties, their payroll should be assigned to the appropriate separate code.
Can my clerical or sales staff be included under this class to lower premiums?
No. Clerical and sales employees should be reported under their appropriate WCIRB codes (for example, clerical office payroll is usually under 8810). Misclassification can trigger audits and penalties; accurate payroll allocation is essential and a PEO can help ensure compliance.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs in a paper bag plant?
Prioritize machine guarding and lockout/tagout, institute a hearing conservation and respiratory protection program, provide ergonomics and lifting training, enforce housekeeping to control paper dust, train forklift operators, and set up a formal light-duty return-to-work program. Early injury reporting and proactive claims management through a PEO also help control medical and indemnity costs.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 4279
- Classification
- Paper Goods Mfg; Bag Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $6.659 / $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 4279?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.