Class Code 5348
Tile, Stone, Mosaic Or Terrazzo Work
Class Code 5348 covers workers who install, finish, repair or remove tile, stone, mosaic and terrazzo surfaces. The approved pure premium for California effective Sept 1, 2026 is $5.047 per $100 of payroll. Accurate classification matters because the work involves heavy lifting, dust-producing cutting and powered grinding that drive claims and controls.
What Class Code 5348 Covers
This classification applies to on-site installation, repair and removal of ceramic and porcelain tile, natural and engineered stone tile, mosaic installations and both bonded and epoxy terrazzo work. Covered operations include substrate preparation (thinset, mortar beds, cement backer board), cutting and trimming tile or stone with wet saws and grinders, setting and grouting, polishing and finishing terrazzo floors, patching, sealing and demolition of existing surfaces. Both interior and exterior work — floors, walls, stairs, countertops and showers — are included when performed as part of tile/stone/terrazzo contracting. Work in high-end stone installations that involves weighing, template fitting and on-site finishing is also typical of this code. Shop-only fabrication limited to large stone fabrication facilities may be separately classified; this code is focused on the installation, finishing and onsite removal trades.
Who It Applies To
- Independent tile and terrazzo contractors and their crews
- Flooring contractors who specialize in ceramic, porcelain, stone or terrazzo
- Mosaic artists and installers working on commercial/residential projects
- Remodeling companies that perform tile/stone installation or removal
- Concrete or terrazzo restoration and polishing crews
Common Job Duties
- Measuring, laying out and cutting tile or stone to fit floors, walls, stairways and countertops
- Mixing thinset mortars, epoxy adhesives and grout; applying mortars and bonding agents
- Operating wet saws, handheld grinders, polishers and terrazzo grinders/burnishers
- Installing cement backer board, mortar beds, expansion joints and waterproof membranes
- Grouting, cleaning, sealing and polishing finished surfaces
- Removing old tile, mortar and substrates; patching and prepping subfloors for new installations
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.047 Rate
The pure premium $5.047 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved base cost for indemnity and medical expected from this class before insurer expense loads and adjustments. Carriers apply this rate to your audited payroll for employees in this class, then modify the premium for factors like experience modification (loss history), policy-level deductibles, minimum premiums, state assessments and insurer overhead. Final premium also depends on accurate payroll reporting, proper class assignment and any mix of other classifications on your policy.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Tile, stone and terrazzo work triggers Cal/OSHA requirements for crystalline silica controls — employers must use feasible engineering controls (wet cutting, local exhaust/HEPA vacuums or equivalent) or provide appropriate respiratory protection and training. Employers must comply with Hazard Communication for adhesives and sealants, Respiratory Protection program requirements when respirators are used, and Fall Protection rules for elevated work on ladders or scaffolds. Effective written programs, training, exposure monitoring when required, and documented medical surveillance are common expectations for these trades.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 5348
A PEO like Key HR can centralize payroll classification and audits, implement tailored safety programs (silica control plans, tool selection, lift policies) and manage claims and return-to-work to limit indemnity costs. Key HR also provides on-site or virtual safety training, OSHA recordkeeping support, and leverages aggregated loss data to negotiate competitive workers' comp placements for tile and terrazzo contractors.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Do tile and stone cutters require special controls for silica?
Yes. Cutting, grinding or polishing natural stone and terrazzo generates crystalline silica. Cal/OSHA expects feasible engineering controls such as wet cutting or local exhaust with HEPA filtration; if those controls aren’t used or don’t reduce exposures below action levels, a respiratory protection program and medical surveillance are required.
Are terrazzo polishing crews higher risk than standard tile setters?
Terrazzo crews often perform heavy grinding, extended polishing, and may remove concrete terrazzo beds — increasing silica, noise and vibration exposures. Because of heavier equipment and longer-duration dust generation, terrazzo work commonly needs stricter controls and can drive higher loss costs, so accurate classification and targeted safety measures are critical.
What practical steps lower workers' comp costs for Class 5348 crews?
Invest in wet-cutting saws and HEPA vacs, enforce proper lifting techniques and mechanical aids, train crews on silica and chemical hazards, maintain a return-to-work program, and document toolbox talks and inspections. Working with a PEO to centralize claims management and ensure accurate payroll audits also helps reduce premium surprises.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 5348
- Classification
- Tile, Stone, Mosaic Or Terrazzo Work
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.047 / $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 5348?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.