Class Code 4496
Plastics – Fabricated Products Mfg
Class Code 4496 covers manufacturers who fabricate finished plastic products from purchased resin, sheet, film or molded components. This classification applies to operations such as injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion of profiles, trimming and assembly; the approved pure premium rate for California (effective Sept 1, 2026) is $5.521 per $100 of payroll.
What Class Code 4496 Covers
This code applies to shops and factories that take plastic raw materials or components and turn them into finished or semi-finished products: molded housings, trays, containers, signage, plastic fittings, machine housings, and similar fabricated goods. Typical processes included are injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion of profiles/rods, trimming, CNC or mechanical finishing, ultrasonic/plastic welding, adhesive bonding and final assembly and packaging. It generally covers businesses that purchase resin, sheet or film and perform fabrication and finishing rather than primary polymer production or chemical compounding. Maintenance, mold setup, quality inspection and material handling performed as part of those fabrication operations are included under this classification.
Who It Applies To
- Independent injection molding shops producing finished parts
- Thermoforming companies making packaging, trays, and displays
- Extrusion shops producing fabricated profiles and tubing
- Acrylic, PVC and sign fabricators who cut, bond and finish plastic panels
- Medical/device component manufacturers using plastic assembly and welding
- Plant workers: mold operators, tool setters, assemblers, QC inspectors, and maintenance techs
Common Job Duties
- Operating injection presses, thermoforming machines and extruders
- Trimming, deflashing and CNC finishing of molded parts
- Setting up and changing molds, dies and tooling
- Plastic welding (hot air, ultrasonic), adhesive bonding and assembly
- Inspecting parts for dimensional and cosmetic defects
- Routine maintenance, lubrication and machine troubleshooting
- Material handling, packaging and forklift/hand-truck work
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.521 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $5.521 per $100 of payroll represents the carriers' actuarial estimate of expected claim costs for this classification in California. To estimate premium, multiply this rate by your total payroll (per $100) for workers in this class; the insurer then applies your experience modification, schedule credits/debits, policy fees, and applicable state assessments to determine the final premium.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements commonly relevant to plastics fabrication include effective machine guarding and lockout/tagout for press and mold changeovers, Hazard Communication (GHS) and a written respiratory protection program when exposures exceed limits, and local exhaust ventilation for thermoforming and trimming areas. Employers must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), provide training on equipment hazards and PPE, and maintain Cal/OSHA recordkeeping and reporting for work-related injuries.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 4496
A PEO like Key HR can help firms classified under 4496 by ensuring correct class code assignment and payroll allocation, implementing targeted loss-control programs (machine guarding audits, LOTO procedures, ventilation and respirator programs), and managing claims and return-to-work to reduce indemnity costs. Key HR also provides safety training, OSHA-compliant documentation templates, and consolidated purchasing and claims advocacy that can lower overall workers' comp expense.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my business should be coded 4496?
If your operation purchases resin, sheet or film and fabricates finished or semi-finished plastic goods—through injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion, trimming, welding or assembly—you are likely Class Code 4496. Primary resin manufacture, chemical compounding or recycling operations are typically classified elsewhere. Review payroll by job function and consult your broker or insurer to confirm classification.
What are the most effective safety controls to lower claims in plastic fabrication?
Key controls include robust machine guarding and formal lockout/tagout during tooling changes, local exhaust ventilation and respirator programs for fume control, blade guards and PPE for trimming operations, preventive maintenance to prevent mechanical failures, hearing conservation, and a documented return-to-work program to limit indemnity costs.
Will the $5.521 pure premium rate be my actual workers' comp cost?
No. The pure premium rate is the baseline expected claim cost per $100 payroll. Your actual premium will reflect your payroll, your experience modification (loss history), any schedule credits or debits, carrier expense loads, and state assessments. Good loss control, accurate payroll coding, and proactive claims management can reduce the final premium.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 4496
- Classification
- Plastics – Fabricated Products Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.521 / $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 4496?
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