MCAC makes case for work comp rate flexibility on veneer work

Words: Julie TrostIn March, MCAC presented its case to allow mason contractors to use the Tile Setter class code when performing adhered veneer work to the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB - the independent organization that sets Workers Comp rates and defines class codes). Going into the discussion, WCIRB was considering such an allowance IF the mason was not doing any other work on a project. Our position was that veneer work performed by either a tile or mason contractor should be allowed under the Tile Setter class code because the...
  1. Class code should correspond to the work NOT the trade.
  2. Tile Setter class code rate is 93% less than the Masonry dass code 5027 rate for employees under the $27/hour threshold which creates a notable imbalance for competitive bidding.
The WCIRB preliminary panel agreed. To date, the classification change has cleared its first committee hearing and has one more committee and the Insurance Commissioner to go.

Changes approved by the Insurance Commissioner will take effect January 1, 2016. At that point, mason contractors would need to determine the appropriate class code for their projects and the record-keeping requirements associated with utilizing both the Masonry and Tile Setter class codes on a single project. Click here for the minutes of the Classification and Rating Committee hearing on the issue (pgs. 35-44).
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