Get ready, restaurant and bar owners! California’s Workers’ Comp Insurance Board (WCIRB) is shaking things up to make things fairer for businesses like yours.
The WCIRB will replace the broad “Restaurants or Taverns” classification (9079(1)) with six more specific codes:
- 9058: Hotels, Motels, or Short-Term Residential Housing – food or beverage employees
- 9080: Restaurants – full service
- 9081(1): Restaurants – N.O.C. (Not Otherwise Classified)
- 9082: Caterers – not restaurants
- 9083: Restaurants – fast food or fast casual
- 9084: Bars or Taverns – not restaurants
Why the Change?
For years, all kinds of food and drink businesses, from fine dining to fast food, were lumped together. But that’s changing. The WCIRB realized that a one-size-fits-all approach wasn’t cutting it.
What’s Happening?
Starting September 1, 2024, the WCIRB is splitting up the old “Restaurants or Taverns” category into six new, more specific ones. This means:
- More Accurate Pricing: Your insurance costs will be based on the specific risks of your business, whether you’re running a high-end restaurant, a bustling bar, or a quick-service joint.
- Better Safety Tips: The WCIRB will be able to tailor safety advice to your specific needs, helping you keep your employees safe and reduce accidents.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re a business owner, don’t worry too much. For now, your rates won’t change. The WCIRB is still gathering data to figure out the best way to adjust rates for each new category.
What You Can Do
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from the WCIRB and your insurance agent.
- Prioritize Safety: Continue to invest in workplace safety measures.
- Consult Your Insurance Agent: Discuss your specific business needs and how the new classifications might affect you.
The Bottom Line
This change is all about creating a more level playing field for California’s food and beverage industry. By better understanding the risks associated with different types of businesses, the WCIRB can help you keep your workers safe and your costs down.