Class Code 8840
Churches, Temples, Mosques And Synagogues
Class Code 8840 covers employees who work at houses of worship — churches, temples, mosques and synagogues — and the facility operations that support religious services and programs. The approved pure premium rate for California (effective Sept 1, 2026) is $0.282 per $100 of payroll, which sets the baseline workers' comp cost for these employers. Understanding what activities fall under 8840 helps you classify payroll correctly and control your claims exposure.
What Class Code 8840 Covers
This classification applies to the routine operations of places of worship and the paid staff who support those operations. That includes clergy and other religious leaders performing services, administrative and office personnel, custodial and maintenance workers who clean and maintain buildings and grounds, kitchen and food‑service employees who prepare meals for events, and childcare/nursery staff who supervise children during services or programs. It covers building upkeep (lighting, HVAC maintenance when performed by in‑house staff), event setup and teardown (chairs, sound equipment, staging), groundskeeping and routine small repairs. It does not automatically cover separate commercial activities (for‑profit rental operations, contracted construction) that may require other classifications or endorsements.
Who It Applies To
- Resident clergy and pastoral staff who lead services and perform pastoral visits
- Administrative staff and receptionists who work in the church office
- Custodians, janitors, groundskeepers, and facility maintenance employees
- Kitchen and food‑service workers supporting fellowship halls and concessions
- Nursery, preschool and youth program staff who supervise children
- Security staff or ushers who manage crowds and event safety
Common Job Duties
- Leading and administering worship services, pastoral counseling, and off‑site visits
- Cleaning, sweeping, mopping, restroom maintenance and trash removal
- Setting up chairs, sound equipment, lighting, and moving portable stages
- Cooking, food preparation, dishwashing and serving in fellowship halls
- Supervising children in nursery and Sunday school rooms; changing diapers
- Performing basic groundskeeping: mowing, edging, snow/leaf removal, and hedge trimming
- Routine maintenance tasks: ladder use for light changes, small plumbing/electrical repairs
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $0.282 Rate
The pure premium rate of $0.282 per $100 of payroll is the portion of the workers' comp premium that covers expected claim costs for this class. To estimate an employer's base premium, multiply payroll (in hundreds) by the rate; carriers then add expenses, state assessments, and apply experience modification or credits. Final premium for a specific employer will vary with payroll mix, claim history, safety programs, whether volunteers are covered, and any assigned deductible or retrospective rating plan.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Places of worship must comply with California's Title 8 requirements such as maintaining an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), providing training on hazard communication for cleaning chemicals, and following Bloodborne Pathogens standards when employees could be exposed during first aid or childcare. Employers with grounds crews must implement Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention for outdoor work and enforce ladder and electrical safety rules for maintenance staff. Emergency Action Plans, fire exits, and regular equipment inspections are also required by Cal/OSHA standards.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8840
A PEO like Key HR helps employers classified under 8840 by ensuring accurate payroll classification, offering workers' comp policy administration, and managing claims to contain costs and improve outcomes. Key HR can deliver targeted loss‑control services — IIPP templates, childcare background‑check protocols, kitchen safety and food handling training, ladder and ladder‑safety training, and return‑to‑work programs — which reduce claim frequency and lower experience modifiers over time.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are volunteers included under Class Code 8840 and do they affect my premium?
Unpaid volunteers are not counted as payroll for premium calculation, but if the organization buys voluntary workers' coverage or reimburses expenses, carriers may consider exposures; volunteers who drive insured vehicles or perform hazardous tasks may require endorsement or specific coverage. Discuss volunteer activities with your PEO/insurer to document coverage and limit surprise claims.
Do childcare workers and nursery staff fall under this classification?
Yes — paid childcare, nursery and Sunday school staff working at the religious facility are typically included in Class Code 8840 because their duties are integral to the place of worship. Because of unique exposures (child supervision, diapering, potential bloodborne pathogen risks), make sure training, background checks and vaccination/first‑aid protocols are documented.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs for a house of worship?
Implement a written IIPP, schedule regular site hazard audits, require safe lifting and ladder protocols, provide food‑safety training for kitchen staff, run background checks and childcare training, and establish a light‑duty return‑to‑work policy. Working with a PEO to centralize claims reporting, obtain targeted safety training, and monitor experience modification is one of the most effective ways to lower long‑term premiums.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8840
- Classification
- Churches, Temples, Mosques And Synagogues
- Pure Premium Rate
- $0.282 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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