Class Code 6400
Fence Construction
Class code 6400 covers fence construction activities in California — installation, removal and on-site repair of wood, chain-link, metal and vinyl fencing. The WCIRB pure premium for Sept 1, 2026 is $6.017 per $100 of payroll, which directly affects workers' comp costs for contractors and crews who perform this hands-on work.
What Class Code 6400 Covers
This classification applies to on-site fence construction work: digging post holes, setting posts in concrete, erecting panels, tensioning chain-link fabric, installing gates and welding or fastening metal components. It covers residential, commercial and agricultural fence erection as well as temporary/event fencing when installed on site. Fabrication done entirely in a shop (manufacturing of fence sections or gates) is typically classified elsewhere, so payroll for shop welding or fabrication should be separated. Routine maintenance and repair on existing fences at customer locations is included under 6400 when performed by the same field crews doing installation.
Who It Applies To
- Independent fence contractors and subcontractors who install residential or commercial fencing
- Small construction and landscaping companies that provide fence installation as a service
- Farm and ranch crews installing or repairing perimeter and livestock fencing
- Event and rental companies that install on-site temporary fencing
- Gate and hardware installers who perform field installation and adjustment
Common Job Duties
- Locating utilities and digging post holes with augers, power or hand tools
- Setting posts in concrete footings and ensuring alignment and grade
- Unrolling and tensioning chain-link fabric, attaching rails and ties
- Cutting, welding, or bolting metal rails, hinges and gate frames
- Installing wood pickets, vinyl panels, or concrete block/retaining sections
- Operating small excavators, skid steers or auger attachments on site
- Mixing and placing concrete, backfilling, and site cleanup
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $6.017 Rate
The pure premium of $6.017 per $100 of payroll represents the portion of the workers' comp rate that is intended to fund expected claim costs for this type of work. Insurers apply this pure premium to your payroll by classification, then add loading factors (expense, state assessments, profit) and your employer-specific modifiers (experience modification, schedule credits/debits) to determine the final premium. Safety programs, claim history, payroll mix (shop vs. field), and subcontractor usage all materially affect the premium you actually pay.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Fence construction crews must follow Cal/OSHA requirements including a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and a heat illness prevention plan for outdoor workers. Specific controls include excavation/trenching protections for post holes, respirable crystalline silica precautions when cutting or drilling concrete, welding and cutting safety procedures, PPE (eye, hearing, respiratory) and equipment operator training. Employers must also maintain hazard communication for chemicals (concrete admixtures, solvents) and provide respiratory protection when required.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 6400
A PEO like Key HR can help fence contractors by auditing payroll classification to ensure shop work is separated from field wages, implementing targeted safety programs (trenching, tool use, PPE), and managing claims to contain costs and speed return-to-work. Key HR also provides centralized payroll, timely premium audits, loss-control consultations, and access to group purchasing and training resources that can lower experience mods and overall workers' comp expense.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does fence repair at a customer site fall under class code 6400?
Yes. On-site repair and maintenance of fences performed by field crews is generally included in class code 6400. Fabrication or major welding done exclusively in a shop should be reported separately under the appropriate shop/manufacturing classification.
How can I reduce my workers' comp cost for fence crews?
Focus on documented safety: trenching/post-hole procedures, powered equipment training, fall and ladder safety, PPE enforcement, silica and welding controls, and a return-to-work program. Separating shop and office payroll from field payroll and using properly vetted subcontractors also lowers exposure.
What Cal/OSHA trainings are most important for fence construction crews?
Required and high-value trainings include trenching/excavation safety, competent operator training for powered augers and small excavators, heat illness prevention, respiratory protection when cutting or welding, hazard communication, and basic rigging and manual handling techniques.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 6400
- Classification
- Fence Construction
- Pure Premium Rate
- $6.017 / $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 6400?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.