Class Code 8010
Stores – Hardware, Electircal Or Plumbing Supplies
WCIRB Class Code 8010 covers retail stores that sell hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies where employees perform merchandising, stocking and in-store sales. The approved California pure premium rate for September 1, 2026 is $2.300 per $100 of payroll, a baseline used to calculate workers' comp costs for these operations.
What Class Code 8010 Covers
This classification applies to retail operations whose primary business is selling hardware, electrical components and plumbing supplies from a storefront and on-site stockroom. Typical activities include customer sales at a counter, order pulling in aisles and stockrooms, receiving and storing boxed or palletized inventory, in-store minor assembly or fixture testing, and light shop or tool rental services. The code covers both indoor sales floor work and associated backroom warehouse tasks performed by store employees. It does not automatically cover employees who spend most of their time performing electrical installations, plumbing service, or commercial contracting — those field activities are generally classified under contractor codes.
Who It Applies To
- Retail sales clerks and counter associates in hardware/electrical/plumbing stores
- Stockroom workers and inventory pickers who load/unload and shelve supplies
- Store managers and supervisors who perform floor and backroom duties
- Forklift or pallet jack operators working in-store warehouses
- Small tool rental attendants and equipment checkout staff
Common Job Duties
- Assisting customers at sales counters, handling small parts and tools
- Receiving deliveries, breaking pallets and stocking shelves
- Order picking and assembling customer orders for pickup
- Operating powered industrial trucks, pallet jacks or hand trucks
- Testing light fixtures or electrical components on display
- Maintaining inventory, labeling, and rotating product stock
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.300 Rate
The pure premium rate of $2.300 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved base that represents expected claim costs for this class. Insurers multiply that rate by your payroll in hundreds of dollars to determine the pure premium before adding expense loads, assessments, experience modification, credits, or schedule rating adjustments. Final premiums vary by your claims history (experience modification), payroll mix (clerks vs. drivers or installers), loss control measures, deductible choices, and any reclassification of employees who do substantial field work.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA General Industry (Title 8) standards most relevant to 8010 operations include requirements for an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Hazard Communication for chemicals (adhesives, solvents, batteries), PPE, powered industrial truck operator training, ladder safety, and electrical safety when testing or repairing fixtures. Stores that perform in-store maintenance or testing should also follow lockout/tagout and electrical safety work practices when employees interact with energized equipment.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8010
A PEO like Key HR helps reduce workers' comp costs by ensuring correct classification and payroll reporting, implementing targeted loss-control programs (forklift training, safe lifting techniques, ladder protocols), and managing claims and return-to-work plans to shorten disability duration. Key HR also negotiates coverage, coordinates medical bill review and vocational services, and provides safety audits and training tailored to hardware, electrical and plumbing retail risks.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 8010 cover my delivery drivers who bring products to customers?
Not usually. Drivers who spend a majority of their time driving or making deliveries are often assigned a transportation or driver class code. If driving is infrequent and most duties are in-store, those hours may be reported to 8010—confirm classifications with your insurer or PEO to avoid misclassification.
Are employees who install fixtures in customer homes covered under 8010?
Employees who perform field installations, electrical wiring, or plumbing work are typically classified under contractor or service codes, not 8010. Regular installation work may increase premium and require additional trade-specific controls and licensing compliance.
What practical safety steps reduce claims and lower my workers' comp costs for this class?
Implement an IIPP, provide powered industrial truck and ladder training, enforce cut-resistant gloves and eye protection, use mechanical aids for heavy lifting, secure pallet racking, and document a return-to-work program. These measures reduce severity and frequency of claims and improve your experience modification factor over time.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8010
- Classification
- Stores – Hardware, Electircal Or Plumbing Supplies
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.300 / $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 8010?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.