Class Code 9522
Upholstering – Furniture; Auto Upholstering; Upholstering – Coffin/Casket; Upholstering – Wheelchair; Upholstering – Noc
Class Code 9522 covers upholstering work in California — including furniture, auto seats, casket interiors, wheelchair seating, and other not-otherwise-classified upholstery. The approved pure premium rate for California effective September 1, 2026 is $6.484 per $100 of payroll. Understanding the specific operations and hazards behind this class code helps employers control claims and optimize workers' comp costs.
What Class Code 9522 Covers
This classification applies to businesses and workers who install, repair, reupholster or manufacture padded surfaces and trim. Typical operations include stripping old coverings, patterning and cutting fabric and foam, sewing with industrial machines, attaching fabrics with pneumatic staplers or hog rings, installing webbing and springs, and applying adhesives or heat to shape materials. It covers work on household and commercial furniture, vehicle interiors (auto seating and convertible tops), casket/coffin interiors, and wheelchair seating and cushions. "NOC" (not otherwise classified) captures specialized or custom upholstery that doesn't match another specific code but performs substantially similar operations.
Who It Applies To
- Independent and shop-based furniture upholsterers and restoration specialists
- Auto upholstery shops and technicians who re-cover seats and install interiors
- Casket and funeral merchandise upholsterers who construct or line interiors
- Wheelchair and medical seating fabricators who cut, sew, and install cushions
- Mobile upholsterers who perform on-site vehicle or furniture repairs
- Small production upholstery shops that assemble padded furniture or seating
Common Job Duties
- Measuring, marking and cutting foam, batting, fabric and vinyl patterns
- Operating heavy-duty sewing machines, tufting machines and industrial sergers
- Using pneumatic staple guns, hog ring pliers, tack hammers and hand tools
- Applying adhesives, solvents and heat guns to shape and attach coverings
- Assembling springs, webbing, frames and fastening upholstery to structures
- Stripping old upholstery, removing nails/tacks, and preparing substrates
- Installing seating and trim in vehicles, wheelchairs, caskets or furniture
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $6.484 Rate
The pure premium rate of $6.484 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB's base cost to cover expected claim losses for this class. Insurers use that pure premium, multiplied by your reported payroll and divided by 100, as the starting point for the policy premium. The final premium you pay is adjusted by your experience modification (E-Mod), company-specific audits, schedule credits/penalties, policy fees, and state assessments; accurate payroll allocation and a clean claims record help lower your ultimate cost.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
California employers performing upholstering work must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and comply with Cal/OSHA safety standards. Key standards to follow include Hazard Communication (for adhesives and solvents) and Respiratory Protection for exposures to airborne contaminants, plus machine guarding, lockout/tagout for powered equipment, and noise control where compressors and pneumatic tools are used. Proper ventilation, local exhaust for adhesives and cutting operations, and documented training in tool and chemical safety are frequently cited compliance items.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 9522
A PEO like Key HR helps upholstery employers reduce workers' comp costs by ensuring accurate payroll classification, implementing required IIPP documentation, and providing targeted safety training for tool use, lifting, and chemical handling. Key HR also manages claims administration and return-to-work programs, connects clients to loss-control specialists, and leverages group purchasing and safety resources to lower injury frequency and the experience modification that drives premium.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How should I classify employees who do both upholstery and delivery or upholstery and woodworking?
Allocate payroll and hours to the activity actually performed. If workers split duties, track time by task so each portion is charged to the correct class code. Misclassification can trigger audits and back premiums; Key HR can set up payroll reporting and time-tracking to support proper classification.
What practical controls reduce common upholstery injuries?
Use engineering controls like mechanical lifts, local exhaust ventilation for dust and fumes, machine guards on sewing and cutting equipment, and dedicated work tables to avoid awkward postures. Supplement with PPE (cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, respirators when needed), scheduled tool maintenance, and task-specific training to lower claims and improve productivity.
Are subcontractors or independent installers included in my workers' comp payroll?
Only workers on your payroll are directly charged to your workers' comp policy; properly insured subcontractors who provide Certificates of Insurance are not. Misclassifying or failing to verify subcontractor insurance can create exposure. Key HR helps verify COIs, draft subcontractor agreements, and advise when workers should be on payroll versus contracted.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 9522
- Classification
- Upholstering – Furniture; Auto Upholstering; Upholstering – Coffin/Casket; Upholstering – Wheelchair; Upholstering – Noc
- Pure Premium Rate
- $6.484 / $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 9522?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.