Class Code 4611
Drug, Medicine Or Pharmaceutical Preparations Mfg
Class Code 4611 covers manufacturing of drugs, medicines and pharmaceutical preparations in California, including tablet/capsule production, sterile compounding, formulation and packaging. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium is $1.321 per $100 of payroll, which is the WCIRB
What Class Code 4611 Covers
This class code applies to establishments that manufacture pharmaceutical products and preparations for human or veterinary use. Typical operations include active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) handling, formulation and blending, granulation, tablet compression, capsule filling, coating, sterile filling and lyophilization, aseptic processing in cleanrooms, in-process quality control testing, and final packaging and labeling. It also covers on-site ingredient receiving, bulk solvent storage, and dedicated maintenance of production equipment. Small-scale pilot plants and scale-up batches used to develop commercial manufacturing procedures are included when they are part of the manufacturers production process. Activities excluded are purely retail pharmacy dispensing and clinical diagnostic laboratories that do not perform manufacturing.
Who It Applies To
- API and finished-dose pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Sterile injectable and aseptic filling facilities
- Pilot-scale formulation and contract development labs
- Quality control/analytical laboratory technicians in manufacturing sites
- Packaging, labeling, and warehouse personnel at pharmaceutical plants
Common Job Duties
- Handling and weighing active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients
- Operating granulators, tablet presses, coating pans, capsule fillers, and sterile filling lines
- Performing aseptic setup, environmental monitoring, and sterile gowning in cleanrooms
- Running analytical tests (HPLC, GC, microbiology) for in-process and release testing
- Cleaning, calibrating and maintaining production and laboratory equipment
- Packaging, labeling and palletizing finished lots for shipment
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $1.321 Rate
The pure premium of $1.321 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRBs calculated expected claim cost before insurer overhead, loss adjustment expenses, and profit. Insurers apply policy-level loads, state assessments, and your employers experience modification to determine the final premium. Payroll allocation by job class, claim history, safety programs and return-to-work practices all materially affect the premium you actually pay.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Pharmaceutical manufacturers must follow Cal/OSHA requirements including written Hazard Communication programs, controlled handling of hazardous chemicals, and respiratory protection when airborne exposures are present. Process Safety Management and safe handling procedures are required for highly hazardous chemicals and solvents; cleanroom and aseptic operations require environmental monitoring, validation, and documented personnel gowning/training programs. Maintain SDSs, engineering controls (local exhaust, containment), PPE, and routine training and maintenance records to meet California enforcement expectations.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 4611
A PEO like Key HR helps pharmaceutical manufacturers by centralizing payroll classification, managing workers compensation claims, and deploying targeted safety programs (chemical handling, aseptic gowning, ergonomics). We provide OSHA recordkeeping support, coordinated return-to-work and modified-duty planning, and predictive analytics to reduce frequency and severity of claims, which can lower your experience modification and final premium.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 4611 include research and development labs?
Small-scale R&D or pilot plants that carry out formulation, scale-up and production-related batches for commercial manufacturing are typically included in 4611. Pure research labs that only conduct non-manufacturing analytical tests or discovery work may be classified differently; payroll split and detailed job descriptions determine appropriate classification.
How can we lower our workers comp costs for pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Focus on reducing claim frequency and severity: implement engineering controls for dust and solvent vapors, formal aseptic procedures and validation, robust PPE programs, pre-placement and fitness-for-duty screening, early return-to-work/transitional duty, and maintain clean OSHA-caliber records. These measures improve safety and drive down your experience modification and insurer pricing.
How should payroll be allocated if we have packaging, lab, and office staff on-site?
Allocate payroll to the class code that matches each employees primary duties and time on task. Packaging operators, lab technicians in QC tied to production, and sterile line operators usually fall under 4611, while pure office staff belong to clerical classifications. Accurate time records and job descriptions are essential; Key HR can assist with payroll coding and audit support.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 4611
- Classification
- Drug, Medicine Or Pharmaceutical Preparations Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $1.321 / $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 4611?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.