The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) performed a comprehensive review of the classifications applicable to employers that sell hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies. Hardware stores are currently classified as either 8017(7), Stores – hardware – retail, or 8018, Stores – wholesale. Because many hardware stores sell to both retail customers such as homeowners and wholesale customers such as building contractors, it is often difficult to determine which classification is applicable. As a result, effective January 1, 2020, Classification 8010, Stores – hardware, electrical or plumbing supplies, is being established as part of the Stores Industry Group to apply to the sale of hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies to wholesale and retail customers, and Classification 8017(7) is being eliminated.

In addition, many stores that sell hardware also sell plumbing supplies, and it can be difficult to determine which employers are assignable to Classification 8111(1), Plumbers’ Supplies Dealers. Effective January 1, 2020, Classification 8111(1) is being eliminated, and the operations described by this classification are being reassigned to Classification 8010.

Many hardware stores operate in connection with building material dealers or lumberyards. Classifications 8232(1), Lumberyards, and 8232(2), Building Material Dealers, are amended effective January 1, 2020 to direct that the operation of a store for the sale of hardware, electrical or plumbing supplies shall be separately classified as 8010, Stores – hardware, electrical or plumbing supplies. As store cashiers often ring up purchases for both store merchandise and lumber or building materials, Classifications 8232(1) and 8232(2) specify that cashiers who work in support of hardware, electrical or plumbing supplies sales in addition to building material sales or lumber sales shall be classified as 8010.

The following classifications currently direct that Classification 8017(7) is assignable to parts and display departments; as Classification 8017(7) is being eliminated, these classifications are being amended to include display and parts departments:

• Classification 8057, Boat Dealers
• Classification 8116, Farm Machinery Dealers or Repair Facilities
• Classification 8107, Machinery and Equipment Dealers

The complete 2020 descriptions for Classification 8010 and other classification codes mentioned here are available in the Classification Search on wcirb.com and at the following links:

• Classification 8010
• Classification 8057
• Classification 8107
• Classification 8116
• Classification 8232(1)
• Classification 8232(2)

The research study that resulted in these changes is available on wcirb.com and at the following link:

• Report on the Hardware Stores and Dealers Study