Class Code 8065
Stores – Paint Or Paint Supplies
Class Code 8065 covers retail stores that sell paint and paint supplies, including on-site tinting and mixing. California employers with this exposure should note the September 1, 2026 pure premium of $2.321 per $100 of payroll when planning workers' comp costs.
What Class Code 8065 Covers
This classification applies to retail establishments whose primary business is selling paints, stains, varnishes, primers, solvents, aerosol paint products and related sundries (brushes, rollers, masking, drop cloths). It includes on-site tinting/mixing operations, counter sales, stockroom and receiving functions, palletized storage of paint cans and drums, and in-store customer loading or local delivery performed by store employees. It does not cover painting contractors or companies whose primary business is applying paint at job sites; those operations fall under construction or specialty trade codes. The code captures the retail/warehouse combination common to independent paint stores, paint departments in hardware stores, and specialized paint supply outlets.
Who It Applies To
- Independent retail paint and coatings stores (single-location or small chains)
- Paint departments inside hardware or home improvement stores where paint sales are the primary retail function
- Employees who operate tinting/mixing machines and measure pigments/solvents
- Stockroom and receiving staff who handle pallets, drums, and heavy cans
- Counter sales associates who mix, sell, and load paint for customers
- Employees who perform local deliveries on behalf of the store (short, store-assigned runs)
Common Job Duties
- Measuring, mixing and tinting paints and stains using tinting machines and measuring devices
- Handling and stocking 1-gallon to 5-gallon cans, and occasionally 55-gallon drums or pallets
- Operating pallet jacks or forklifts in warehouse/stockroom areas
- Assisting customers with product selection, loading paint into vehicles, and lifting containers
- Cleaning brushes, counters and dispensing equipment; disposing of solvent waste per store procedures
- Maintaining Safety Data Sheet binders, labeling, and inventory of flammable and hazardous liquids
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.321 Rate
The pure premium of $2.321 per $100 of payroll represents the expected cost of workers' compensation claims for this class per $100 of payroll before insurer expenses and profit. To estimate premium, divide total payroll by 100 and multiply by 2.321; insurers then apply carrier-specific loss cost multipliers, policy fees, and your experience modification. Final cost is affected by your claims history (E-mod), payroll mix across classifications, safety controls (HAZCOM, PPE, ventilation), and any deductible or retrospective rating choices.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA standards most relevant to paint stores include Hazard Communication (Title 8 §5194) and Respiratory Protection (Title 8 §5144); employers must maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets, proper labeling, and employee training. Additional requirements cover safe storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids, adequate ventilation in mixing/tinting areas, provision of PPE and eyewash/flush stations where chemical splashes are possible, and adherence to local fire code for flammable storage.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8065
A PEO like Key HR can help paint store employers by ensuring correct payroll classification, delivering targeted safety training (HAZCOM, respirator use, manual handling), maintaining SDS management systems, and conducting safety audits to lower claim frequency. Key HR also manages workers' comp claims, return-to-work programs and premium audits to help reduce your experience modification and overall workers' comp costs.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does my small neighborhood paint store fall under Class Code 8065?
Yes—if your primary business is retailing paint, supplies and performing on-site tinting or mixing, Class Code 8065 is the appropriate classification. If your business primarily applies paint on job sites (painting contractor), those operations are classified separately.
What practical steps lower workers' comp costs for a paint supply store?
Focus on hazard communication and training, ventilated mixing areas, proper storage and bonding of flammable liquids, PPE for employees, safe lifting practices and housekeeping to prevent slips. Consistent training, documented safety policies and prompt claims handling will help lower claim frequency and your experience modification.
Are my delivery drivers covered under 8065 or a separate driver classification?
Short local deliveries done occasionally by store employees are typically included in 8065, but if you employ dedicated drivers who spend the majority of their time driving or make long-distance deliveries, those employees may need a separate commercial driver classification. Confirm with your carrier or PEO to ensure correct classification and pricing.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8065
- Classification
- Stores – Paint Or Paint Supplies
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.321 / $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.
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