Class Code 6213
Oil/Gas Wells – Specialty Tool Companies
WCIRB Class 6213 covers specialty tool companies that provide downhole tools, tool-running services and related well intervention support to oil and gas wells. The California pure premium rate for this class is $2.815 per $100 of payroll; that base helps determine your workers' compensation premium and reflects the heavy exposure of wellsite tool operations.
What Class Code 6213 Covers
This classification applies to companies that manufacture, maintain, rent or operate specialty downhole tools and provide on-site services for oil and gas wells—examples include wireline and slickline logging, perforating and perforation guns, fishing tools, pressure-control and packer equipment, and downhole testing tools. It covers field crews who rig up and run tools into wellbores, perform pressure and function testing, and service or repair tools at the wellsite or in field workshops. It does not typically include full drilling contractors or roustabout labor exclusively performing general rig work; those operations are classified separately. Work can occur onshore or at coastal platforms and often requires work near high-pressure lines, control panels, hydraulic power units and confined wellhead spaces.
Who It Applies To
- Downhole tool rental and service companies (wireline, slickline, perforating, fishing services)
- Field technicians and tool operators who run and retrieve downhole tools
- Service supervisors, rig-up/rig-down crews and field mechanics for specialty tools
- Mobile workshops and company technicians who pressure-test and repair tools
- Companies providing well intervention and wellbore diagnostic services
Common Job Duties
- Assembling, rigging and running downhole tools into the wellbore (wireline/slickline operations)
- Pressure testing and function-testing tool assemblies and surface control equipment
- Operating hydraulic power units, control panels and winches to lower and retrieve tools
- Repairing, maintaining and performing non-destructive inspection on specialty tools in field shops
- Rigging, crane/hoist operations and connecting hoist lines for tool handling
- Monitoring well conditions (pressure, fluids, H2S) and communicating with rig/site supervisors
- Performing confined space entry at wellheads and packer/sleeve installations
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.815 Rate
The pure premium rate of $2.815 per $100 of payroll is the base charge reflecting expected losses for Class 6213 before insurer expense loads, policy fees and experience- or schedule-rating adjustments. To calculate base premium multiply total payroll for employees in this class by 0.02815; carriers then add loss adjustment expense, carrier profit and other loadings and apply your experience modification factor. Final premium is affected by payroll accuracy, claim frequency/severity, return-to-work programs, loss control measures and correct classification.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Employers in this class must comply with California requirements such as maintaining an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), performing air monitoring for H2S and other well gases, and following confined-space entry and rescue procedures. Other critical practices include fall protection on platforms, lockout/tagout for hydraulic and pressure systems, crane and rigging safety, hazardous materials communication and documented pressure-testing and well-control procedures enforced by Cal/OSHA inspections.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 6213
A PEO like Key HR helps specialty tool companies reduce workers' comp costs through accurate classification and payroll reporting, proactive loss-control consulting, safety program and training delivery (H2S, confined space, rigging), and hands-on claims management to speed return-to-work. Key HR also leverages group purchasing and experienced claims adjusters to lower expense loads and supports compliance documentation to reduce Cal/OSHA enforcement risk.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class 6213 apply if my company only rents tools but doesn't run them at the wellsite?
If your business only rents tools from a yard with no on-site running, repair or well-intervention services at wellsites you may be partially classified differently; however companies that supply and service tools or perform on-site rig-up and running are classed under 6213. Accurate payroll segmentation and clear job descriptions are critical—Key HR can help ensure proper classification to avoid audits.
What specific Cal/OSHA trainings should my tool crew have?
Field crews should receive H2S awareness and escape respirator training, confined-space entry and rescue training, fall protection and working-at-height training, lockout/tagout for hydraulic/pressure systems, crane/rigging operator training, and site-specific toolbox talks. Employers must also maintain written procedures and periodic drills for well-control and emergency response.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs for Class 6213 operations?
Implement a documented safety program (IIPP), mandatory pre-shift hazard assessments, certified rigging and crane procedures, routine pressure-test protocols, H2S monitoring and PPE enforcement, and a light-duty return-to-work program. Partnering with a PEO for training, on-site loss control audits and proactive claims management typically lowers claim severity and your experience modification over time.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 6213
- Classification
- Oil/Gas Wells – Specialty Tool Companies
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.815 / $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 6213?
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