Class Code 8807
Newspaper, Magazine Or Book Publishing
Class code 8807 covers workplace exposures for newspaper, magazine and book publishing operations in California, from editorial desks to digital content production. The WCIRB pure premium rate approved Sept 1, 2026 is $0.165 per $100 of payroll — an indicator of the expected loss costs for these publishing activities.
What Class Code 8807 Covers
This classification applies to employers whose primary business is creating, editing, producing and distributing printed or digital editorial content rather than operating printing presses. Typical operations include editorial staff work (reporting, writing, copyediting), layout and page design, digital content management, rights/licensing and production coordination. It also includes circulation, subscription fulfillment, in-house advertising sales and administrative support tied directly to publishing. Field activities performed by reporters, photographers or advertising reps are included when paid on payroll; note that separate printing and pressroom operations are excluded and listed under different WCIRB codes.
Who It Applies To
- Newspaper publishing companies (editorial and digital teams)
- Magazine publishers and editorial production staff
- Book publishers and in-house editorial/production departments
- Digital-only publishers and online content operations
- Staff reporters, editors, copyeditors, designers, and photographers on payroll
- In-house advertising sales reps, circulation and subscription managers
Common Job Duties
- Researching, reporting and writing articles or book manuscripts
- Copyediting, proofreading and fact-checking content
- Page layout, graphic design and digital content formatting
- Managing editorial calendars, rights clearances and production schedules
- Coordinating photographers, field reporting and assignment logistics
- Subscription fulfillment, circulation management and customer service
- Selling and servicing advertising accounts, including client visits
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $0.165 Rate
The WCIRB pure premium rate of $0.165 per $100 of payroll represents the estimated claim cost per $100 of payroll for class 8807. Insurers use this loss cost as the base when calculating an employer's premium; the final premium is adjusted by the insurer's expense loadings, the employer's experience modification, any group or schedule credits/debits, payroll audit results, and deductible or retrospective rating programs.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
California employers in publishing must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) per Title 8 §3203 and address ergonomic risks and workstation setup to limit musculoskeletal injuries. Field staff require vehicle safety policies, defensible-driver screening and training; journalists covering hazardous scenes should receive site-specific hazard recognition, PPE and bloodborne pathogen awareness when applicable.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8807
As a PEO, Key HR helps publishing employers control workers' comp costs by ensuring correct payroll classification, grouping where available, and managing claims and return-to-work programs to limit lost-time. Key HR can also build targeted risk-control plans — ergonomics assessments, driver safety programs, field assignment checklists and IIPP documentation — that reduce frequency and severity of claims.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does class 8807 include printing press or binding operations?
No. Class 8807 covers publishing activities (editorial, layout, digital production and related office/field work). Press operations, printing and binding are categorized under separate WCIRB class codes for printing and manufacturing.
Are freelance contributors or independent contractors covered under this class?
Independent contractors are not automatically classified as employees; coverage depends on how workers are engaged and whether they meet legal tests for employee status. Publishers should report payroll for workers on payroll; Key HR can help evaluate worker status and advise on properly reporting freelancers versus employees.
How does remote or hybrid editorial work affect workers' comp premiums?
Payroll for telecommuting employees still counts toward class 8807, but remote work can reduce some exposure to office slip-and-fall risks while increasing ergonomic concerns. Employers should document remote workstations, provide ergonomic guidance and retain payroll and assignment records to support audits and experience rating.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8807
- Classification
- Newspaper, Magazine Or Book Publishing
- Pure Premium Rate
- $0.165 / $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 8807?
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