Class Code 8019
Printing – Quick Printing; Document Duplication/Photocopying
WCIRB class code 8019 applies to quick printing, document duplication and photocopying operations in California. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for this class is $1.740 per $100 of payroll, which employers use as the base for workers' comp premiums.
What Class Code 8019 Covers
Class code 8019 is for businesses whose principal operations are short-run digital printing, walk-in copy centers, in-house reprographics and on-demand document duplication using photocopiers, digital presses, and finishing equipment. It covers employees who operate high-speed copiers, digital laser and inkjet production printers, collators, cutters, folding and binding machines, laminators, and associated maintenance tasks. The classification includes shops that perform client-facing quick jobs (business cards, flyers, brochures), document scanning, and basic finishing rather than heavy commercial lithography or screen printing. It does not generally cover large offset press operations, textile printing, or separate specialized hazardous processes unless those tasks are a primary part of the business.
Who It Applies To
- Retail copy and print centers (walk-in or franchise locations)
- In‑house office reprographic departments at corporations, schools, or government
- Small digital print shops doing short-run jobs and on-demand printing
- University or legal/medical document duplication centers
- Mailing/print-and-fulfillment centers limited to light finishing
Common Job Duties
- Operating high-speed photocopiers and digital production printers
- Setting up and running print jobs, including color calibration and imposition
- Trimming, cutting, folding, stapling, binding and laminating finished pieces
- Loading paper, inks, toners, and consumables; changing paper stocks
- Routine cleaning, maintenance, and clearing paper jams on machinery
- Customer order intake, job ticketing, and basic prepress/file prep
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $1.740 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $1.740 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB's base cost for expected claim frequency and severity for this class. Insurers multiply that rate by an employer's payroll (divided by 100) to get the pure premium, then adjust it by experience modification, rating plans, class splits, and policy-specific factors to determine the final premium an employer pays.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Employers in quick printing must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) per Cal/OSHA requirements and provide Hazard Communication training for solvents and cleaning agents (Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication standard). Machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance, adequate local exhaust/ventilation for toner or solvent fumes, and ergonomic controls for repetitive tasks are commonly enforced elements.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8019
A PEO like Key HR centralizes claims management, enforces timely first-report-of-injury procedures, and provides standardized safety programs and training templates tailored to print shop hazards. Key HR can also help with payroll accuracy and class code audits, return-to-work programs, and group purchasing of PPE and ventilation solutions to reduce claim frequency and lower long-term workers' comp costs.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are front-desk clerks and customer service staff included in class code 8019?
No — clerical and office workers are typically assigned a separate clerical classification. Employers should segregate payroll for true clerical staff from production staff to ensure accurate classification and pricing.
What can I do to lower workers' comp costs for a quick print shop?
Focus on preventive measures: install machine guarding and proper cutters, provide ergonomic training and lifting aids, implement ventilation and dust control, use safer cleaning chemicals, maintain a prompt injury reporting and return-to-work program, and track claims to reduce repeat incidents.
My shop does occasional screen printing or large offset jobs — is 8019 still correct?
Possibly not. If your operation routinely performs offset lithography, screen printing, or hazardous substrate/ink work, a different WCIRB class may apply. Contact Key HR or your insurer for a payroll/classification review so the business is coded correctly.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8019
- Classification
- Printing – Quick Printing; Document Duplication/Photocopying
- Pure Premium Rate
- $1.740 / $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 8019?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.