PA Workers Comp Calculator
Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades in Pennsylvania, with some of the highest workers' comp loss costs of any class code. Falls are the primary hazard — but not the only one. Understanding your options and managing your EMR aggressively are critical to controlling costs.
Roofers in Pennsylvania have extraordinarily high injury rates driven by fall hazards. Falls from roofs are among the most expensive workers' comp claims — they frequently result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Code 551 (Roofing) carries one of the highest loss costs in the PCRB filing.
2026 Workers' Comp Rates for Roofing 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 551 | CHEMICAL MFG., N. O. C. | $0.639 | $847 | $1,337 | $2,806 | $5,255 |
| 553 | GASES-MFG. | $0.522 | $758 | $1,158 | $2,358 | $4,358 |
* LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Expense constant $350 · PA Act 57 assessment 2.18%
Common Workers' Comp Risks in Roofing
- ▸ Falls from roofs — the #1 cause of fatal construction injuries
- ▸ Falls through skylights and roof openings
- ▸ Electrical hazards from overhead power lines
- ▸ Heat illness on hot roof surfaces
- ▸ Material handling injuries (bundles of shingles weigh 50–80 lbs)
- ▸ Struck-by injuries from tools dropped from height
How to Reduce Your Workers' Comp Cost in Roofing
Industry-specific strategies that lower your premium — not generic advice.
- Implement a fall protection program that exceeds OSHA requirements — harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets
- Never allow work on roofs without fall protection equipment, regardless of project duration
- Maintain a strong return-to-work program — roofing injuries are expensive and long-duration
- Separate any clerical, estimating, or office payroll from field payroll
- Collect certificates of insurance from every subcontractor before they set foot on a job
- Work with a specialty contractor carrier who understands roofing risk
Calculate Your Roofing Workers' Comp Premium
Enter your actual payroll, class code, LCM, and EMR for a personalized 2026 estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Roofing Workers' Comp in PA
Why is roofing workers' comp so expensive in Pennsylvania?
Roofing has one of the highest fatal injury rates of any occupation in the United States. Falls from roofs frequently result in severe or fatal injuries with multi-year or lifetime claim costs. The PCRB's loss cost for Code 551 reflects this actuarial reality based on Pennsylvania's historical claims data.
Can I reduce my roofing workers' comp rate by hiring subcontractors?
Using subs doesn't automatically reduce your premium — your carrier will audit subcontractor relationships. Subs without their own workers' comp coverage will be charged to your policy at your rate during audit. However, legitimate subs with their own coverage who can document their policy are excluded from your payroll. Learn more about the employee vs. independent contractor rules in PA.