PA Workers Comp Calculator
Pennsylvania retail businesses generally have moderate workers' comp costs compared to high-hazard industries — but they're not immune. Slips, overexertion from stocking shelves, and violence in high-traffic retail locations are among the leading claims.
Retail workers face moderate injury rates primarily from slips and falls on retail floors, overexertion from stocking and receiving, and repetitive motion from checkout work. Customer-facing retail also sees occasional workplace violence claims, especially in high-crime-area locations.
2026 Workers' Comp Rates for Retail 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 820 | AUTOMOBILE AUCTION | $1.346 | $1,389 | $2,421 | $5,515 | $10,673 |
| 821 | BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTOR | $2.812 | $2,513 | $4,668 | $11,133 | $21,907 |
| 924 | WHOLESALE STORE, N.O.C. | $1.886 | $1,803 | $3,248 | $7,584 | $14,811 |
* LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Expense constant $350 · PA Act 57 assessment 2.18%
Common Workers' Comp Risks in Retail
- ▸ Slips and falls on retail floors
- ▸ Overexertion from stocking, lifting, and receiving
- ▸ Repetitive motion injuries from checkout work
- ▸ Workplace violence in high-traffic locations
- ▸ Back injuries from material handling
- ▸ Cut injuries from box cutters and packaging
How to Reduce Your Workers' Comp Cost in Retail
Industry-specific strategies that lower your premium — not generic advice.
- Maintain clean, dry floors throughout the store — slip prevention is your highest-ROI investment
- Provide back belts and train staff on proper lifting for receiving and stocking
- Separate cashier/service staff from warehouse/receiving staff if payroll differs significantly
- For stores with security, consider separate classification for security staff
Calculate Your Retail Workers' Comp Premium
Enter your actual payroll, class code, LCM, and EMR for a personalized 2026 estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Retail Workers' Comp in PA
What class code does a retail store use in Pennsylvania?
Most general merchandise retail uses Code 820 (Store - retail). Specialty retail may have different codes depending on what's sold and the physical nature of the work. Hardware stores, garden centers, and similar mixed-operations locations may have multiple codes. See the PA class code directory for a full list.