Class Code 4351
Photo Engraving
Class code 4351 covers photoengraving operations used to create printing plates, cylinders and etched metal components for prepress and specialty engraving. This classification is important because chemical etchants, solvents, UV exposure and precision machining create distinct injury and claims risks. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for California is $2.860 per $100 of payroll.
What Class Code 4351 Covers
This class applies to businesses that perform photographic plate-making, chemical etching, electroplating and mechanical or rotary engraving of metal or polymer plates and cylinders used in printing and specialty metalwork. Typical operations include coating and exposing photo-sensitive plates, developing and washing plates, acid or etchant baths (for example ferric chloride or other etchants), electroplating or re-plating, trimming, polishing and preparing plates for mounting. It also covers manual and CNC engraving of plates and cylinders, plate mounting and press makeready tasks tied to plate production. Work that is purely digital thermal or laser imaging with no chemical processing may not fall under 4351 and should be reviewed separately.
Who It Applies To
- Independent photoengraving and etching shops
- Commercial printers with in‑house plate rooms and prepress departments
- Manufacturers producing engraved or etched metal components
- Plate room operators and prepress technicians
- Cylinder engravers and electroplating/finishing staff
Common Job Duties
- Coating, exposing and developing photo-sensitive plates and films
- Handling and mixing etchants and solvents and running acid baths
- Electroplating, stripping and re-plating of metal plates or cylinders
- Trimming, buffing, polishing and finishing metal or polymer plates
- Operating engraving machines, rotary engravers and plate presses
- Maintaining ventilation, chemical storage and SDS documentation
- Quality inspection and preparing plates for mounting on printing presses
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.860 Rate
The WCIRB pure premium rate of $2.860 per $100 of payroll is the base charge intended to cover expected claim costs for this classification before insurer adjustments. To calculate the raw pure premium, divide total payroll by 100 and multiply by 2.860 (for example, $200,000 payroll = 2,000 × $2.860 = $5,720). Final employer premium will then be adjusted by an experience modification, insurer expense and loading factors, policy endorsements, state assessments and any premium discounts or retrospective rating plans.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements most relevant to photoengraving include Hazard Communication (SDS access and chemical labeling), respiratory protection and medical surveillance when PELs may be exceeded, local exhaust ventilation for etchant/solvent processes, emergency eyewash and shower availability for corrosive handling, machine guarding and lockout/tagout for engraving and plating equipment, and proper hazardous waste handling and spill response. Employers must also provide training, written programs (respirator, HAZCOM, LOTO) and accurate injury recordkeeping under Cal/OSHA standards.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 4351
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in this class by centralizing OSHA‑required programs, managing SDS libraries and chemical inventories, and implementing respiratory and PPE programs to reduce exposures. Key HR provides claims management, return‑to‑work and light duty programs to shorten claim durations, plus payroll and classification audits to ensure accurate coding and avoid costly misclassification.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does class code 4351 cover digital plate-making methods that use no chemicals?
If plate production is purely thermal or laser imaging with no chemical baths, etchants or plating operations involved, it may not be correctly classified under 4351. Employers should document processes and consult their carrier or Key HR to verify proper classification and avoid misrating.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp claims in a photoengraving shop?
Key steps include installing local exhaust ventilation at etchant and solvent stations, substituting less hazardous chemicals when possible, enforcing PPE and eye protection, maintaining eyewash/showers, instituting machine guarding and LOTO, regular safety training, and a formal return-to-work program to reduce claim costs and frequency.
How does Key HR help with Cal/OSHA compliance and claims for 4351 operations?
Key HR provides written safety programs, SDS management, respirator and medical surveillance support, on-site or virtual loss control assessments tailored to plate rooms, and coordinated claims handling to manage medical care and return-to-work — all aimed at lowering premiums and improving workplace safety.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 4351
- Classification
- Photo Engraving
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.860 / $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 4351?
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