Class Code 5146
Cabinet Or Fixtures; Sign Installation Or Repair
Class Code 5146 applies to workers who install, repair, or service cabinets, built-in fixtures, store casework and signage. This classification is commonly used for finish carpentry, fixture installers and sign crews; the approved pure premium for California (effective Sept 1, 2026) is $5.712 per $100 of payroll. Understanding this code helps employers set correct payroll billing, manage exposure, and target safety controls.
What Class Code 5146 Covers
This classification includes on-site installation, repair and adjustment of cabinets, counters, built-in fixtures, retail casework, shelving systems and the mounting, repair or replacement of signs (including non-electrical mounting and coordination of electrical work). Work can occur in residential kitchens and bathrooms, commercial tenant improvements, retail stores, restaurants, office build-outs, and exterior sign mounting on facades, poles and roofs. It covers field activities such as measuring and fitting modular units, anchoring fixtures to walls and floors, cutting and finishing materials at job sites, and temporary scaffolding or ladder work to place signs or overhead cabinets. Shop-only fabrication that does not include installation is typically coded differently; this class focuses on the installation and repair operations at customer sites.
Who It Applies To
- Cabinet installers and finish carpenters working in residential or commercial settings
- Retail fixture and display installers who set casework, shelving and counters
- Sign company crews that mount, repair or replace signs and sign hardware
- Millworkers or joiners doing on-site fitting, trimming and anchoring
- Maintenance technicians who service built-in fixtures and non-electrical signs
Common Job Duties
- Measuring and laying out anchor points, cutting and fitting cabinets, panels and trim
- Anchoring cabinets and fixtures to walls, floors, studs and concrete using mechanical fasteners
- Mounting, leveling and securing storefront, building-mounted and pole signs
- Field cutting, sanding and finishing materials with saws, routers and grinders
- Using ladders, scaffolds or boom lifts to position overhead cabinets or signs
- Coordinating with electricians for illuminated signs and performing basic disconnect/verification per electrical safety rules
- Transporting and positioning heavy casework and fixture units into tight work areas
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.712 Rate
The pure premium of $5.712 per $100 of payroll represents the insurer's expected cost of losses for this class before expense loads and adjustments. To estimate premium, divide total payroll for employees coded to 5146 by 100 and multiply by 5.712. The final premium an employer pays will also reflect experience modification (your loss history), insurer expense loads, deductible programs, retrospective rating, and how payroll is assigned across class codes.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Key Cal/OSHA requirements for this work include fall protection and ladder safety rules for work at height, scaffold and aerial lift standards when elevated platforms are used, machine guarding and PPE for power tools, and hazard communication for adhesives, solvents and coatings. Employers must provide training and written programs where applicable (e.g., respiratory protection, control of hazardous energy when servicing illuminated signs) and maintain records of training and injury prevention efforts for inspections.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 5146
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in this classification by centralizing workers' comp administration, providing targeted safety programs (ladder and lift training, manual handling ergonomics, tool safety), and managing claims to limit severity and return workers to duty faster. We can also assist with payroll classification accuracy, experience modification monitoring, and access to loss-prevention consultants and cost-effective insurance placements to lower overall comp expense.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 5146 include electrical work on signs?
5146 covers the installation and repair of cabinets, fixtures and sign mounting. Actual electrical wiring or installation of powered sign components may be subject to a different classification and should be performed or inspected by a licensed electrician; employers should separate payroll for pure electrical work and consult their insurer to ensure correct coding.
How can I reduce my workers' comp costs for installers and sign crews?
Focus on proven controls: enforce fall protection and ladder safety, use mechanical lifting aids and team lifts for heavy fixtures, provide training on power-tool safety and PPE, implement pre-job hazard assessments, and maintain prompt medical and return-to-work programs. Improving loss experience and separating payroll for non-covered tasks can lower your experience modification and final premium.
What Cal/OSHA training should my installation crews receive?
Crews should get training in ladder and scaffold safety, aerial lift operation if used, power-tool and machine guarding, hazard communication for chemicals, manual handling/ergonomics, and any site-specific programs such as respiratory protection or lockout/tagout when servicing electrical sign components. Keep written records of training and site safety plans.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 5146
- Classification
- Cabinet Or Fixtures; Sign Installation Or Repair
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.712 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
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