What Classification Codes Are Standard Exceptions?

A Question from one of our readers on Standard Exceptions. In your last post, you mentioned Standard Exceptions. What are they and why are they important?

We will use NCCI Standard Exception Codes - classifications that are common to many businesses and that are generally not allowed to be designated as the governing classification. The governing classification is the class code that produces the most payroll in a business. The Standard Exception Codes are:

• 8810 - Clerical
• 8742 - Salespersons or Collectors - Outside
• 8871 - Clerical Telecommuter Employees
• 7380 - Drivers, Chauffeurs, Messengers, and Their Helpers NOC—Commercial
• 8748 - Automobile Salespersons

These do not cover all states, but most of the non-NCCI states have almost the same codes. The key is the codes cover much more than just the above exact code descriptions. Most of the time, the Standard Exception Class Codes are much less expensive than the other class codes.

These codes are the ones that are most often disallowed by workers comp premium auditors. We see Code 8810 (or its equivalent) being changed the most during audits. Documenting the job duties of any employees with Standard Exception Codes is very important.