Class Code 5213
Concrete Construction
Class Code 5213 covers concrete construction work in California, including forming, placing, finishing, saw cutting and associated excavation and rebar work. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for this classification is $5.162 per $100 of payroll, which is a baseline used to calculate workers' comp premiums for employers in the concrete trades.
What Class Code 5213 Covers
This classification applies to businesses whose primary operations involve on-site concrete work: forming and stripping forms, placing and finishing concrete, pumping and vibrating concrete, saw cutting and grinding hardened concrete, installing reinforcement (rebar and mesh), and related excavation and backfill activities. It includes both new construction and repair/patching of sidewalks, curbs, slabs, foundations, driveways and flatwork. Work done from scaffolds, temporary formwork, or small powered equipment at construction sites is included. Shop or factory precast concrete production is generally excluded and classified separately; 5213 is focused on construction-site concrete operations.
Who It Applies To
- Concrete finishers and laborers performing forming, pouring, and finishing
- Contractors who place and pump concrete on residential, commercial, and infrastructure jobs
- Crews that perform saw cutting, grinding, and jointing of hardened concrete
- Workers who install reinforcing steel (rebar/mesh) tied into concrete placements
- Small subcontractors doing sidewalk, curb, driveway and slab repairs at job sites
Common Job Duties
- Setting and stripping formwork and bracing for footings, slabs and walls
- Placing, vibrating and consolidating concrete from buckets or pumps
- Floating, troweling, broom finishing, and applying cures or sealers
- Saw cutting, jointing and grinding hardened concrete to control cracking
- Installing and tying rebar, dowels and wire mesh for reinforcement
- Operating concrete pumps, mixers, vibrators, hand tools and powered trowels
- Excavating, compacting, backfilling and coordinating traffic control at sites
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.162 Rate
The pure premium rate of $5.162 per $100 of payroll represents the portion of premium calculated to cover expected claim costs for this classification before insurer expenses and adjustments. Insurers multiply the pure premium by your payroll (divided by 100) and apply factors like an insurer's loss cost multiplier, deductible programs, and your experience modification (X-mod) to determine the final premium. Payroll mix, accurate employee classification, on-site loss control, and historical claims all materially affect what you ultimately pay.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Concrete construction is subject to Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders (Title 8) covering excavation and trenching (competent person and protective systems), scaffolding and fall protection, hazard communication, and controls for respirable crystalline silica. Employers must implement engineering controls (wet methods, local exhaust/HEPA vacuums), a written silica exposure control plan, PPE and respiratory protection programs where required, and comply with heat illness prevention, training and emergency wash station requirements for cement exposure.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 5213
A PEO like Key HR helps concrete contractors by ensuring accurate payroll reporting and class-code assignment, implementing tailored safety programs (silica controls, PPE, trenching competent-person training), and managing claims and return-to-work plans to limit indemnity costs. Key HR can centralize reporting, provide loss-control coaching and training, and help negotiate better underwriting treatment by demonstrating strong safety practices that can lower experience mods and overall workers' comp spend.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are concrete finishers and rebar tiers both covered under Class Code 5213?
Yes. Class Code 5213 includes on-site forming, placing, finishing and installation of reinforcement (rebar/mesh) performed as part of concrete construction at job sites. Separate in-shop or precast operations may fall under other codes.
What specific steps lower workers' comp costs for concrete operations?
Key steps include accurate payroll and employee classification, a written silica exposure control plan with engineering controls, a competent-person excavation program, PPE and hygiene policies for cement handling, formal training, and a proactive return-to-work program to reduce claim duration and severity.
What Cal/OSHA training or programs are mandatory for concrete crews?
Required elements include training on respirable crystalline silica and implementation of controls, competent-person training for trenching/excavation, scaffold and fall protection training where used, hazard communication for cement and additives, and heat-illness prevention measures with water, shade and training.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 5213
- Classification
- Concrete Construction
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.162 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
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