Class Code 8286
Livestock Dealers/Auction Yards
Class Code 8286 covers businesses that buy, sell, hold or auction livestock — including livestock dealers and auction yard operations. California employers in this class should note the September 1, 2026 approved pure premium of $7.692 per $100 of payroll, which reflects expected claim costs for animal-handling operations.
What Class Code 8286 Covers
This classification applies to establishments that operate livestock yards, auction rings, and buying/receiving pens where cattle, hogs, sheep, goats and other farm animals are consigned, held, displayed and sold. It includes activities such as receiving and sorting animals, holding them in pens, moving animals through chutes and alleys, weighing, cash transactions at auction rings, loading and unloading trailers, and short-term boarding prior to sale. Work performed by yard hands, animal handlers, auction clerks, ringmen and dealers who physically handle or restrain animals is included. It does not cover long‑distance livestock hauling under a motor carrier code or on‑farm production work classified to agricultural class codes.
Who It Applies To
- Livestock dealers who buy and resell animals
- Public and private livestock auction yards and sale barns
- Yard hands and animal handlers who sort and move animals
- Auctioneers, ringmen, clerks and scale operators
- Employees loading/unloading animals at yard shipping docks
- Short‑term holding facilities and consignment yards
Common Job Duties
- Receiving and inspecting animals on arrival and consignor intake
- Moving and sorting animals through alleys, pens and chutes
- Operating squeeze chutes, gates and loading ramps
- Weighing animals and recording transactions in the sale ring
- Loading and unloading animals from trailers and trucks
- Cleaning pens, applying disinfectants, and maintaining holding facilities
- Assisting veterinarians with basic animal checks at auction
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $7.692 Rate
The pure premium of $7.692 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB's actuarial estimate of expected claim costs for this class; it is multiplied by your payroll (divided by 100) to produce the base expected claim cost. Insurers then apply expense loads, policy fees, experience modification, credits, and program adjustments (group rating, retrospective plans, large deductible) to determine the final premium an employer pays.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Employers must implement Cal/OSHA's Injury and Illness Prevention Program (8 CCR 3203) tailored to animal handling risks, and comply with Heat Illness Prevention (8 CCR 3395) for outdoor yards. Hazard Communication (8 CCR 5194) applies to disinfectants and pesticides used in pens; Bloodborne Pathogens (8 CCR 5193) and Respiratory Protection (8 CCR 5144) standards may apply when workers have potential exposure to animal fluids or airborne contaminants. Regular maintenance of chutes, gates and non‑slip flooring and documented training in animal behavior and safe handling are critical for compliance.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8286
A PEO like Key HR helps livestock dealers reduce workers' comp costs by providing tailored loss control programs (animal-handling training, chute safety audits, heat illness plans), centralized claims management, and coordinated return-to-work programs to lower disability durations. Key HR also handles payroll reporting, experience mod tracking, and access to group purchasing or captive arrangements that can improve premium outcomes for California yard operators.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Do auction clerks and ringmen fall under Class Code 8286?
Yes. Clerks, auctioneers, ringmen and scale operators who work inside the sale barn or ring and handle transactions or help move animals are typically classified under 8286 because they operate within the livestock auction environment.
How can I lower workers' comp costs for a livestock yard?
Documented safety programs that focus on animal behavior training, chute/gate maintenance, PPE use, heat illness prevention, vaccination and zoonotic exposure protocols, plus effective return-to-work practices and prompt claims reporting, can reduce injury frequency and severity and improve your experience modification over time.
Does transporting animals to a buyer count in this code?
Short‑term loading/unloading at the auction yard is part of 8286, but long‑haul or commercial livestock transportation is usually coded to motor carrier or specific trucking/transport class codes. Verify payroll allocation for drivers who spend significant time on the road.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8286
- Classification
- Livestock Dealers/Auction Yards
- Pure Premium Rate
- $7.692 / $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 8286?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.