PA Workers Comp Calculator
Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector spans everything from light assembly to heavy industrial operations — and workers' comp costs vary accordingly. Accurate class code assignment and proactive safety programs are critical to managing costs in this sector.
Manufacturing injury rates in Pennsylvania vary widely by operation type. Light assembly and precision manufacturing have relatively moderate loss costs; heavy manufacturing, metal fabrication, and high-heat operations carry significantly higher rates. Machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and ergonomics are the primary control areas.
2026 Workers' Comp Rates for Manufacturing in Pennsylvania
Based on 2026 PCRB loss costs · LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Includes $350 expense constant + PA 2.18% assessment. Actual carrier premiums will vary.
| Class Code | Description | Loss Cost | $50K Payroll | $100K Payroll | $250K Payroll | $500K Payroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 489 | DENTAL LABORATORY | $0.454 | $706 | $1,053 | $2,097 | $3,837 |
| 573 | FERTILIZER MFG. | $1.512 | $1,516 | $2,675 | $6,151 | $11,945 |
* LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Expense constant $350 · PA Act 57 assessment 2.18%
Common Workers' Comp Risks in Manufacturing
- ▸ Machine guarding failures leading to caught-in injuries
- ▸ Overexertion from repetitive assembly work
- ▸ Chemical and substance exposure
- ▸ Noise-induced hearing loss
- ▸ Forklift and material handling equipment accidents
- ▸ Slips and falls on manufacturing floors
How to Reduce Your Workers' Comp Cost in Manufacturing
Industry-specific strategies that lower your premium — not generic advice.
- Implement comprehensive machine guarding and lockout/tagout programs
- Develop an ergonomics program for repetitive assembly operations
- Maintain separate payroll for clerical, quality control, and supervisory staff
- Use hearing conservation programs to prevent noise-induced hearing loss claims
- Implement a formal incident investigation process for near-misses
Calculate Your Manufacturing Workers' Comp Premium
Enter your actual payroll, class code, LCM, and EMR for a personalized 2026 estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Manufacturing Workers' Comp in PA
Does my type of manufacturing affect my workers' comp rate in Pennsylvania?
Yes, significantly. The PCRB assigns different class codes and loss costs to different manufacturing operations. Light assembly might use Code 352 (Machinery mfg., not otherwise classified) while metal fabrication uses different codes with higher loss costs. Accurate code assignment based on your specific operations is essential.