Class Code 6237
Oil/Gas Wells – Wireline Service/Perforating Of Casing
Class Code 6237 applies to wireline service operations and the perforating of casing on oil and gas wells — operations that deploy logging tools, perforating guns and explosives on a wireline. In California the approved pure premium rate for this class is $2.304 per $100 of payroll, reflecting the elevated hazards and specialist skills involved. Understanding this classification helps employers apply correct payroll reporting, training and controls to limit claims and premiums.
What Class Code 6237 Covers
This class covers on‑site wireline work performed from a service rig, truck or platform where electric line, slickline or braided wireline tools are run into the wellbore to log, set or retrieve tools and to perforate casing using shaped charges or perforating guns. Activities include preparing and handling perforating charges on the deck, assembling firing heads and firing lines, running and retrieving wireline tools through a lubricator and pressure control assembly, and post‑perforation well monitoring and clean‑up. The code captures both intervention/logging runs and the specific act of perforating casing as part of well completion or stimulation operations. It excludes drilling operations that are coded separately and excludes surface facility maintenance not directly tied to wireline runs or perforating.
Who It Applies To
- Wireline service companies performing logging, perforating and tool retrieval
- Crew members who assemble, handle and transport perforating charges and firing equipment
- Operators who run electric line (e‑line), slickline or braided wireline into live wells
- Downhole service contractors performing perforating as part of completion or workover
- Field supervisors and safety techs assigned to wireline/perforating jobs
Common Job Duties
- Preparing, transporting and staging perforating charges and detonators on the rig/ truck deck
- Rigging and operating the wireline unit, winch, drum and head‑sheave systems
- Assembling and testing firing heads, detonating cord or firing systems and safety locks
- Running logging or perforating tools into the well via lubricator and pressure control stacks
- Monitoring well pressure and gas readings during runs; bleeding off pressure and securing the well after perforating
- Post‑run tool retrieval, swabbing, debris recovery and surface equipment cleanup
- Maintaining records of charge lots, firing sequences and testing/checklist completion
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.304 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $2.304 per $100 of payroll is the portion of workers' compensation cost that covers expected claim costs for this class before insurer loadings and adjustments. To estimate premium, insurers multiply your payroll (divided by 100) by the pure premium rate, then apply experience modification, carrier expense loads, state assessments and policy discounts. Final employer cost is affected by your loss history (experience mod), classification accuracy, payroll reporting and any safety or return‑to‑work programs that reduce claims.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Wireline and perforating work in California must comply with Cal/OSHA Oil and Gas well drilling and servicing orders and relevant General Industry Safety Orders, including requirements for written procedures, training and supervision. Key regulatory expectations include permit‑required confined space entry procedures and monitoring, respiratory protection and gas monitoring for H2S and hydrocarbons, lockout/tagout and energy control around winches, and documented explosive handling and storage protocols. Employers should maintain written well control and emergency response plans, train crews on lubricator and pressure control assemblies, and keep records of charge lot numbers and explosive handling checks.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 6237
A PEO like Key HR can centralize classification and payroll reporting to ensure workers in 6237 are reported accurately and consistently, reducing misclassification risk that can drive up premiums. Key HR also provides tailored safety program development (explosives handling, H2S monitoring, confined space entry), industry‑specific training, drug and alcohol testing programs, and proactive claims management to shorten claim duration and improve experience modification. Together these services help lower total workers' comp cost and improve compliance on high‑hazard wireline/perforating operations.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an employee should be assigned to Class Code 6237?
Use 6237 for employees who perform downhole wireline runs and directly handle or assemble perforating charges or fire perforating guns into casing. If the work is strictly rig maintenance, surface facility work, or drilling, different WCIRB classes apply—document job duties and consult your carrier or PEO to confirm classification.
What specific training or documentation reduces risk for perforating jobs?
Required elements that reduce risk include documented explosive handling procedures, charge lot traceability, firing system tests and checklists, confined space entry permits, H2S and flammable gas monitoring logs, lockout/tagout for energy sources, and hands‑on training for running lubricators, pressure control assemblies and emergency well shut‑in.
Can safety programs and claims management lower my premium for this high‑risk class?
Yes. Insurers consider loss history and experience modification when pricing, so robust, documented safety programs, routine competency training, pre‑job hazard assessments, and fast, managed claims handling can reduce frequency and severity of losses and improve your experience mod over time, lowering overall workers' comp costs.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 6237
- Classification
- Oil/Gas Wells – Wireline Service/Perforating Of Casing
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.304 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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