Pennsylvania masonry and concrete work combines heavy material handling with elevated work and exposure to caustic materials. It's a physically demanding trade with above-average workers' comp rates — but safety programs and accurate classification can help manage costs.
Masonry workers face elevated injury rates from overexertion (lifting heavy blocks, stone, and concrete), falls from elevated work, struck-by incidents, and chemical burns from concrete and mortar. The physical demands of the trade also produce high rates of cumulative trauma disorders.
2026 Workers' Comp Rates for Masonry & Concrete 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 416 | CAR MFG. | $0.889 | $1,039 | $1,720 | $3,764 | $7,170 |
| 514 | REFRACTORY PRODUCT MANUFACTURING | $1.741 | $1,692 | $3,026 | $7,029 | $13,700 |
* LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Expense constant $350 · PA Act 57 assessment 2.18%
Common Workers' Comp Risks in Masonry & Concrete
- ▸ Overexertion from lifting heavy masonry materials
- ▸ Falls from scaffolding and elevated work
- ▸ Chemical burns from concrete and mortar contact
- ▸ Eye injuries from cutting and grinding masonry
- ▸ Silica dust exposure from cutting concrete and block
- ▸ Struck-by injuries from falling materials
How to Reduce Your Workers' Comp Cost in Masonry & Concrete
Industry-specific strategies that lower your premium — not generic advice.
- Implement a silica dust control program (OSHA Table 1 or air monitoring) — silicosis claims are expensive and long-tail
- Provide knee pads, chemical-resistant gloves, and eye protection for all masons
- Use mechanical material handling equipment (forklifts, man lifts) to reduce manual lifting
- Separate skilled masonry workers from laborers and helpers if codes differ
Calculate Your Masonry Workers' Comp Premium
Enter your actual payroll, class code, LCM, and EMR for a personalized 2026 estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Masonry & Concrete Workers' Comp in PA
Does a concrete contractor need different workers' comp than a masonry contractor?
Yes. Concrete and masonry work use different PCRB class codes. Masonry uses Code 416 (Masonry, not otherwise classified). Concrete construction uses Code 432 or other codes depending on the specific type of concrete work. Mixing these codes on a policy can lead to audit issues.