Class Code 8813
Printing Operation – Editing And Designing; Bookbinding Operation – Editing And Designing
Class Code 8813 applies to editing and designing work performed for printing and bookbinding operations in California. This classification covers layout, prepress design, editorial production and binding design tasks and carries a September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate of $0.548 per $100 of payroll. Understanding this code helps employers classify payroll correctly and manage workplace risk.
What Class Code 8813 Covers
8813 is specific to non-press creative and production activities within print and bookbinding businesses: page layout, typesetting, digital prepress file preparation, color proofing, editorial proofreading and production scheduling. It also covers staff who design binding specifications, create mockups and oversee finishing parameters without operating heavy press equipment. Work performed at an in‑house publishing department, graphic design studio attached to a print shop, or a bookbinder’s production office fits here when duties are editing, designing, proofing or production planning rather than press operation. Occasional prototype cutting, hand‑binding samples or small finishing tasks performed to support design work are included, but regular operation of large trimming or binding machinery should be classified differently.
Who It Applies To
- In‑house production editors at publishers and trade book printers
- Graphic designers and prepress technicians preparing print‑ready files
- Proofreaders, copy editors and layout/page designers in print shops
- Bindery production designers who specify stitch, glue or case bindings
- Small press or boutique bookbinding shops whose staff handle design and mockups
Common Job Duties
- Creating page layouts and pagination in InDesign or similar tools
- Preparing press‑ready PDFs, color separations and proof corrections
- Proofreading and making editorial corrections to manuscripts and captions
- Specifying binding type, trim size, spine width and finishing details
- Preparing mockups and prototypes, including light manual trimming or gluing
- Coordinating with press and bindery operators on technical print specs
- Managing digital asset libraries and file version control
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $0.548 Rate
The approved pure premium of $0.548 per $100 of payroll is the loss cost reflecting expected claim frequency and severity for this work. Insurers multiply that pure premium by the employer's payroll (divided by 100) to get the base premium, then apply company-specific factors such as carrier expense loads, experience modification, policy credits/debits and audits. Accurate classification of payroll, experience modification, and workplace safety programs directly affect the final premium you pay.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA General Industry standards apply to editing/designing operations: maintain Housekeeping, Hazard Communication for any adhesives/solvents, and machine guarding where small cutting or trimming devices are used. Provide ergonomics guidance, workstation adjustments and training to reduce repetitive motion injuries, and keep injury logs (Form 300/301/300A) and required new‑hire or hazard training records. If prototype or finishing equipment is used, comply with machine guarding and lockout/tagout rules when servicing equipment.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8813
A PEO like Key HR can help employers in this classification with accurate class code review, payroll auditing support, and targeted safety programs (ergonomics assessments, cutting tool training, and proofing station setup). Key HR also coordinates claims management, return‑to‑work programs and access to preferred providers to contain medical costs and improve experience modification, which can materially reduce workers' comp expense over time.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
If my designer occasionally helps trim a prototype, do they still belong in 8813?
Yes—occasional prototype trimming or light finishing performed to support design and proofing generally remains in 8813. Regular operation of large bindery or trimming machinery should be separately classified to the appropriate equipment operator code.
How can I lower workers' comp costs for staff classified under 8813?
Focus on ergonomic workstation setup, enforce safe cutting tool practices, maintain good housekeeping to reduce slips/trips, and implement prompt reporting plus return‑to‑work plans. A PEO can provide training, claims management and safety audits that improve your experience modification and lower premiums.
What Cal/OSHA trainings are most important for editorial and prepress staff?
Prioritize ergonomic training, hazard communication if adhesives/solvents are present, safe use of utility knives and small finishing tools, and general warehouse/production housekeeping. Keep documentation of training and injury records as required by Cal/OSHA.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8813
- Classification
- Printing Operation – Editing And Designing; Bookbinding Operation – Editing And Designing
- Pure Premium Rate
- $0.548 / $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 8813?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.