Class Code 5201
Concrete Or Cement Work – Low Wage
Class Code 5201 covers low‑wage concrete or cement work in California — typically hands‑on tasks like hand‑mixing, finishing, patching, sidewalks, curbs and small pours. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for this class is $8.245 per $100 of payroll, which helps determine your workers' comp costs.
What Class Code 5201 Covers
This classification applies to workers performing manual concrete and cement operations that do not involve heavy structural work, major formwork for large concrete structures, or advanced reinforced concrete construction. Typical operations include hand‑mixing cement, placing and finishing concrete for sidewalks, driveways, curbs, small footings, patching and repair, concrete cutting and small saw work done by crews paid at lower wage levels. It excludes major heavy civil concrete contractors doing large height or mass concrete placements, structural concrete with significant rebar handling and crane work, or equipment‑intensive precast operations. Businesses with crews that spend most of their time on manual, small‑scale concrete tasks should use 5201 rather than higher‑risk concrete class codes.
Who It Applies To
- Sidewalk, curb and driveway repair contractors
- Small residential concrete crews doing footings, pads and patios
- Hand‑mixing and finishing laborers on small commercial sites
- Concrete repair and patching businesses (spall repair, crack repair)
- Municipal sidewalk and alley maintenance crews
Common Job Duties
- Hand‑mixing cement, sand and aggregate in wheelbarrows or mixers
- Placing, screeding and finishing concrete for sidewalks, curbs, small slabs and footings
- Saw cutting, grinding, chipping and patching of concrete surfaces
- Troweling, broom finishing and applying curing compounds
- Loading/unloading bags of cement and aggregates and manual material handling
- Cleaning tools and equipment and controlling dust during cutting/grinding
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $8.245 Rate
The pure premium rate of $8.245 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB‑approved base cost for workers' compensation losses for this classification. Insurers multiply this rate by your payroll (in hundreds) to calculate the base expected loss component of premium; the final employer premium will also reflect experience modification (EMR/XMOD), policy adjustments, deductible programs, and insurer expense and profit factors. Safety programs, loss history, and accurate payroll allocation across class codes directly influence the premiums you pay.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA rules that commonly apply include the Silica Standard for Construction (exposure controls, written exposure control plan, engineering controls or PPE), hazard communication and PPE requirements for handling cement to prevent skin burns, and General Industry/Construction requirements for guarding and tool safety. Where small excavations or footings are dug, trenching/shoring rules and excavation protective systems apply; employers also must maintain an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and a Cal/OSHA‑compliant heat illness prevention program for outdoor work.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 5201
A PEO like Key HR can help employers in Class 5201 by ensuring correct class‑code assignment and payroll reporting, implementing targeted silica and wet‑cement control plans, delivering training (IIPP, PPE, manual handling, heat illness), and coordinating claims management and return‑to‑work to minimize indemnity costs. Key HR’s centralized safety templates, loss‑run analysis and dedicated claims advocates can help reduce experience modification and long‑term workers' comp expense.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my crew should be coded to 5201 or a higher concrete class code?
Use 5201 for crews whose primary duties are manual, small‑scale concrete tasks (hand‑mixing, finishing, sidewalk/curb/driveway work, patching). If your operation regularly performs heavy structural pours, extensive rebar work, crane lifts or large mass concrete placements, a higher risk concrete code is appropriate. Document crew duties and time spent on each task to support correct coding.
What are the top actions to lower workers' comp costs for low‑wage concrete work?
Focus on reducing common claims: enforce wet‑cement PPE and hygiene to prevent burns, implement silica exposure controls (wet methods, local exhaust, respirators when required), provide manual handling training and mechanical aids, formalize a return‑to‑work/light‑duty program, and maintain an IIPP and heat illness plan. Consistent training and prompt claims management reduce experience modification over time.
What specific Cal/OSHA steps must I take for silica and wet cement hazards?
Prepare a written silica exposure control plan, use wet cutting/grinding or HEPA‑filtered vacuums to limit dust, provide fit‑tested respirators when controls are insufficient, and train employees on silica risks. For wet cement, supply chemical‑resistant gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and emergency wash stations; train workers on first aid for cement burns and maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as part of hazard communication.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 5201
- Classification
- Concrete Or Cement Work – Low Wage
- Pure Premium Rate
- $8.245 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
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