WAC 296-17-31014   Farming and agriculture.  (1) Does this same classification approach apply to farming or agricultural operations?

     Yes, but it may not appear so without further explanation. We classify farming and agricultural operations by type of crop or livestock raised. This is done because each type of grower will use different processes and grow or raise multiple crops and livestock which have different levels of hazards. It is common for farmers and ranchers to have several basic classifications assigned to their account covering various types of crops or livestock. If you fail to keep the records required in the auditing recordkeeping section of this manual, and we discover this, we will assign all worker hours for which records were not maintained to the highest rated classification applicable to the work performed.

     (2) I am involved in diversified farming and have several basic classifications assigned to my business. Can I have one classification assigned to my account to cover the different types of farming I am involved in?

     Yes, your account manager can assist you in determining the single classification that will apply to your business. The name and phone number of your account manager can be found on your quarterly premium report or your annual rate notice. For your convenience you can call us at 360-902-4817 and we will put you in contact with your assigned account manager.

     (3) How do you determine what single farming classification will be assigned to my business?

     The approach used to assign a single classification to a farming business is much the same as we use for construction or erection contractors. To do this, we will need a break down of exposure (estimate of hours to be worked by your employees) by type of crop or livestock being cared for (classification). This information will be used to estimate the premium which would be paid using multiple classifications. The total premium is then divided by the total estimated hours to produce an average rate per hour. We will select the classification assigned to your business which carries the hourly premium rate which is the closest to the average rate that we produced from the estimated hours. Classification 4806 is not to be assigned to any grower as the single farming classification.

     (4) How will I know what single farming classification you have assigned to my business?

     We will send you a written notice of the basic classification that will apply to your business.

     (5) If I requested a single classification for my farming operation can I change my mind and use multiple classifications?

     Yes, but you will need to call your account manager to verify the applicable classifications.

     The name and phone number of your account manager can be found on your quarterly premium report or your annual rate notice. For your convenience you can call us at 360-902-4817 and we will put you in contact with your assigned account manager.

     (6) I am a farm labor contractor. How is my business classified?

     If you are a farm labor contractor we will assign the basic classification that applies to the type of crop being grown, or livestock being cared for. If you contract to supply both machine operators and machinery on a project, all operations are to be assigned to classification 4808.

     (7) Farm internship pilot program. Who may participate in the farm internship pilot program created by the department as a result of Title 49 RCW, effective June 10, 2010?

     Small farms with annual sales of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars per year located in San Juan or Skagit counties that receive a special certification from the department may have farm interns. Employers who qualify may report no more than three farm interns. Farm internship program risk classifications are: WAC 296-17A-4814, 296-17A-4815, and 296-17A-4816.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.16.035, 51.16.100. 10-17-028, § 296-17-31014, filed 8/9/10, effective 9/9/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.16.035. 04-18-025, § 296-17-31014, filed 8/24/04, effective 10/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.16.035. 98-18-042, § 296-17-31014, filed 8/28/98, effective 10/1/98.]