Class Code 5443
Lathing
Class code 5443 covers lathing work: the installation of wood, metal, or gypsum lath and related furring used as the substrate for plaster, stucco or other finish systems. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for California is $5.616 per $100 of payroll, which reflects expected loss costs for this exposure.
What Class Code 5443 Covers
This classification applies to the on-site installation of lath materials — wood strip lath, expanded metal lath, galvanized wire lath, gypsum lath, and metal furring channels — that serve as the backing for plaster, stucco, EIFS base layers or tile backer. Covered operations include cutting and shaping lath, securing lath to studs, framing or masonry with nails, screws, staples or tie-wire, installing corner beads and reinforcing at control joints, and attaching building paper or moisture barriers in conjunction with lath installation. It does not describe the application of finish coats (plaster or stucco) once the lath is in place, which is typically classified separately; accurate payroll separation between lathing and finishing tasks is important. Work is commonly performed on ladders, scaffolds, and temporary staging and often requires handling rolls or sheets of sharp metal or timber, as well as coordination with other trades on residential and commercial façade work.
Who It Applies To
- Specialty lathing and stucco subcontractors during the lath installation phase
- Plaster contractors who employ crews dedicated to installing lath and furring
- General contractors that use employee crews for lath attachment on new builds
- Historic plaster restoration crews installing traditional wood or metal lath
- EIFS and façade installers performing base lath and furring work
Common Job Duties
- Measuring, cutting and shaping metal or wood lath and furring strips
- Fastening lath to studs, masonry, or sheathing with nails, screws or tie-wire
- Installing corner beads, control joints and overlapping lath patterns
- Erecting, using and moving scaffolds, ladders and temporary platforms
- Handling and transporting rolls/sheets of lath and associated hardware
- Applying building paper, weather-resistant barriers and fastener placement
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.616 Rate
The pure premium rate of $5.616 per $100 of payroll represents the estimated cost of claims for this classification before insurer overhead, profit and other charges. To estimate expected loss cost, divide total payroll by 100 and multiply by 5.616; insurers then apply expense loads, experience modification, policy deductibles or retrospective adjustments to arrive at the final premium. Employer factors that affect the ultimate premium include claim history (experience mod), accuracy of payroll reporting between lathing and finishing codes, subcontractor usage, safety programs, and loss control measures.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements most relevant to lathing crews include fall protection and ladder/scaffold safety rules, proper scaffold erection and inspection, respiratory protection and dust controls when cutting cementitious or masonry-backed materials, and hazard communication for cements, sealants and coatings. Employers must maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), provide task-specific training (scaffold use, PPE, and respiratory protection), and comply with California heat illness prevention rules for outdoor work.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 5443
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in this classification by ensuring payroll is correctly classified, implementing targeted loss-control programs (fall protection, scaffold training, silica controls), and managing claims and return-to-work plans to limit indemnity and medical costs. Key HR also handles regulatory compliance support for Cal/OSHA, consistent training delivery across crews, and consolidated workers' comp purchasing power that can produce better pricing and administrative relief.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does class 5443 cover stucco and plaster application or only the lath work?
Class 5443 specifically covers the installation of lath and related furring. The actual application of plaster or stucco finish coats is usually classified separately. Employers should split payroll between lathing and finishing tasks to ensure accurate premium calculation.
What are the quickest ways to lower workers' comp costs for lathing crews?
Focus on preventing falls and cuts: enforce scaffold and ladder safety, require cut-resistant gloves and eye protection, implement engineered dust controls and respiratory protection, and run a documented return-to-work program. Accurate payroll classification and proactive claims management through a PEO or dedicated carrier also reduce mod factors over time.
What Cal/OSHA violations commonly trigger inspections on lathing jobs?
Common triggers include lack of fall protection on elevated work, improperly erected or uninspected scaffolds, failure to control silica/cement dust during cutting, missing respiratory protection and training, and absence of a written IIPP or heat illness prevention measures for outdoor crews.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 5443
- Classification
- Lathing
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.616 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
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