Class Code 6204
Drilling
Class Code 6204 covers drilling operations in California — the hands-on work of creating boreholes, wells, test borings and other drilled openings. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium for this class is $8.012 per $100 of payroll, which reflects the historical claim costs for drilling exposures. Understanding this classification helps contractors control risk, manage payroll classification and limit workers' comp costs.
What Class Code 6204 Covers
This class applies to businesses that use powered drill rigs and associated support equipment to make boreholes, install casing, produce core samples, or excavate by drilling. Typical operations include water-well drilling, geothermal and environmental test borings, geotechnical/core drilling for site investigation, foundation and piling drilling where crews use rotary, percussion, auger or core rigs, and horizontal directional drilling or boring when the primary activity is drilling rather than pipe installation. The classification covers rig operators, driller’s assistants (roughnecks), toolpushers, derrick hands, drill mechanics, flaggers and rig movers who handle drill pipe, mud systems, mud pumps and power units. Routine maintenance of drilling rigs and on-site rig assembly/disassembly for transport are also included under this code when those tasks are part of drilling operations.
Who It Applies To
- Water-well drilling contractors and crews
- Geotechnical and core drilling firms performing site investigations
- Environmental drilling and soil/groundwater sampling contractors
- Foundation/piling drilling crews using rotary/auger rigs
- Horizontal directional drilling crews when drilling is the primary activity
Common Job Duties
- Setting up, leveling and anchoring drill rigs and mast assemblies
- Assembling, running and tripping drill pipe, casings and core barrels
- Operating controls for rotary, percussion, auger and mud systems
- Mixing, monitoring and handling drilling fluids and cuttings
- Collecting core and soil samples; labeling and transferring samples
- Maintaining and repairing pumps, engines, winches, hoists and hydraulics
- Rigging and moving heavy drill string components and support equipment
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $8.012 Rate
The pure premium of $8.012 per $100 of payroll represents the portion of the base workers' comp rate allocated to expected claim payments for this classification. Insurers and PEOs use the pure premium as the foundation, then apply expense loads, state assessments and any underwriting adjustments. An employer’s final premium will also be affected by payroll accuracy, experience modification (EMR), loss control programs, claim frequency/severity and how clearly operations are assigned to the correct class codes.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Drilling operations must follow Cal/OSHA requirements for hazard communication, respiratory protection, lockout/tagout, electrical safety, fall protection and confined space entry when boreholes and pits create permit‑required spaces. Employers should maintain written programs for respiratory protection, hearing conservation, trenching/excavation (if related), hazardous energy control and emergency rescue plans for confined space or H2S exposure. Regular training, pre‑job hazard assessments and documented equipment inspections are critical to satisfy Cal/OSHA enforcement expectations.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 6204
A PEO like Key HR can centralize workers' comp management for drilling employers: we verify correct payroll classification, handle claims reporting and medical management, and help implement targeted safety programs (confined space rescue, heavy‑lift ergonomics, H2S monitoring and respirator programs). By improving safety, standardizing return‑to‑work protocols and ensuring timely claims handling, a PEO can help reduce experience modification and lower the overall cost of coverage.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 6204 include horizontal directional drilling (HDD)?
HDD is covered under Class Code 6204 when the employer’s primary activity is drilling and operating drill rigs to bore holes; if the business primarily installs or pulls pipe and performs utility installation rather than drilling, a different code may apply. Classification is made on the actual operations performed, so provide job descriptions to your insurer or PEO for accurate coding.
What practical steps lower workers' comp costs for drilling crews?
Key measures include mechanical handling to reduce manual pipe handling, mandatory pre‑shift equipment inspections, lockout/tagout on drill rig maintenance, confined space entry and rescue plans, respirator and hearing programs, fatigue management for multi‑shift crews, and prompt reporting plus active return‑to‑work programs to shorten claim duration and improve EMR.
What specific training and PPE does Cal/OSHA expect for drilling work?
Employers must provide training in hazard recognition, permit‑required confined space entry, respiratory protection (when needed), H2S awareness and monitoring where applicable, fall protection for elevated work, hearing conservation, and safe rigging/hoisting. PPE typically includes hard hats, steel‑toe boots, gloves designed for pipe handling, eye protection, high‑visibility clothing, hearing protection and respirators when airborne contaminants are present.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 6204
- Classification
- Drilling
- Pure Premium Rate
- $8.012 / $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 6204?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.