Class Code 4983
Gasket Mfg
Class Code 4983 covers manufacturers that fabricate gaskets and sealing components. This page explains what operations are included, typical job roles, and why the September 1, 2026 pure premium rate of $4.852 per $100 of payroll matters for California employers.
What Class Code 4983 Covers
This classification applies to facilities that make gaskets by die‑cutting, stamping, molding, compressing, laminating, or machining materials such as rubber, cork, compressed fiber, PTFE, graphite, metal, and composite sheet stock. Typical operations include cutting or stamping sheet stock, molding and vulcanizing rubber gaskets, adhesive application and bonding, trimming and deburring, curing in ovens, compression and hydraulic press work, finishing and leak/pressure testing. It includes small custom gasket shops that produce prototype or short-run specialty parts as well as larger continuous production lines for automotive, industrial, marine, or HVAC sealing products. Support functions performed on site—machine maintenance, tool and die repair, quality inspection, packaging, and shipping for gasket production—are also included in this code.
Who It Applies To
- Independent gasket manufacturers (rubber, PTFE, compressed fiber, metal gaskets)
- Contract die‑cutting shops that produce gasket parts for OEMs
- Industrial sealing fabricators supplying automotive, HVAC, marine, or pump industries
- Small in‑plant gasket shops in maintenance departments that produce custom seals
- Manufacturers that operate molding, vulcanizing and press operations for gaskets
Common Job Duties
- Set up and operate die presses, stamping machines, and hydraulic presses
- Run molding and vulcanizing equipment for rubber gaskets and curing ovens
- Die‑cut, laser, waterjet or CNC cutting of sheet materials and trimming parts
- Apply adhesives, primers and release agents and perform bonded assembly
- Inspect gaskets for dimensional tolerances, leak testing, and quality control
- Perform routine maintenance, tool/die changes, sharpening and machine cleaning
- Package, label and prepare finished gasket assemblies for shipment
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $4.852 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $4.852 per $100 of payroll is the expected cost of claims for this class per $100 in wages; to compute the pure premium multiply your payroll by 0.04852 (payroll/100 × rate). The amount you actually pay is adjusted by your employer experience modification (loss history), carrier expense loads, policy credits or debits, state assessments and any deductible or retrospective rating plan.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Gasket manufacturing must comply with Cal/OSHA standards including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (Title 8 §3203) and Hazard Communication (Title 8 §5194) for chemical hazards. Employers must maintain machine guarding and lockout/tagout controls for presses and die cutters, provide PPE and hearing protection, and perform exposure monitoring and respiratory protection when workers handle solvents, dust or airborne particulates.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 4983
A PEO like Key HR helps gasket manufacturers by ensuring proper classification and accurate payroll reporting, implementing safety programs (machine guarding, lockout/tagout, HazCom), managing claims and return‑to‑work plans, and providing training and loss‑run analysis to lower experience mods. Key HR can also coordinate OSHA recordkeeping, supplier SDS management, and group purchasing for PPE and training resources to reduce costs and claims frequency.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
If my maintenance shop makes a few gaskets in‑house, does it fall under Class Code 4983?
Yes—if gasket fabrication is performed as a regular in‑plant operation (cutting, molding, die‑cutting) the payroll for those employees should be reported to Class Code 4983. Short, incidental tasks performed by maintenance staff can sometimes be assigned to maintenance codes, but regular production or a dedicated gasket shop belongs in 4983; confirm with your insurer or Key HR to avoid misclassification.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs for gasket manufacturers?
Focus on machine guarding and lockout/tagout, formal IIPP and HazCom programs, routine preventive maintenance, hearing conservation, and a light‑duty return‑to‑work policy. Reducing claim frequency and severity lowers your experience modification—one of the strongest levers to lower premiums.
Which trainings and PPE are essential for workers in this class?
Mandatory items include machine guarding and LOTO training, hazard communication/Chemical Safety training, respirator fit testing when solvents or dust are present, hearing protection, cut‑resistant gloves for trimming, and heat/burn protection around ovens and curing presses.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 4983
- Classification
- Gasket Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $4.852 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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