General Explanation:

The object of the classification system is to group employers into classifications so that the rate for each classification reflects the exposures common to those employers. Subject to certain exceptions outlined in the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance Manual, it is the business of the employer within a state that is classified, not the separate employments, occupations or operations within the business.

The object of the classification procedure is to assign the one basic classification that best describes the business of the employer within a state. Subject to certain exceptions outlined in the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance Manual, each classification includes all the various types of labor found in a business. Additional classifications shall be assigned in accordance with the rules outlined in the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance Manual.

For more information on rules applicable to classification procedures, refer to the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Manual, Part One, Rule IV - Classifications.

Establishment of Authorized Classifications:

The WCRIBMA has full authority to classify the workers compensation risks within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The WCRIBMA has the right to inspect risks and determine the proper classifications in accordance with manual rules, and shall promulgate such classifications to the carrier of record. The classifications promulgated shall be used in writing any workers compensation insurance policy for such risks.

Risks not previously classified by the WCRIBMA shall be written on the basis of classifications selected in accordance with the best judgment of the insurance carrier. Such classifications shall be subject to change in conformity with any classification promulgations by the WCRIBMA.
(Refer to the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Manual, Appendix A - Bureau Rules and Procedures, I. Establishment of Authorized Classifications.)

The Massachusetts Master Alphabetical Classification Index (MACI), which complements the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance Manual, has been developed as a reference guide for the application of the appropriate workers compensation classifications to businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(Refer to Circular Letter #1791 dated December 30, 1997.)

Massachusetts specific classification distinctions have, for the first time, been published in the July 2000 Edition of the NCCI's Scopes TM Manual.
(Refer to Circular Letter #1854 dated August 29, 2000.)

For more information refer to Circular letter #1725 dated August 24, 1995 - Classification and Audit / Inspection Guidelines, Guideline One, Role of the Bureau's Classification / Audit Department, Proper Submission of Essential Information.

Changes in Classifications or Rates:

Unless a written request to change classifications or rates, on the ground that the risk has been improperly classified, is filed directly with the WCRIBMA by the insured or by the carrier during the term of the policy, or within twelve months after the expiration of said policy, such written request shall not be considered by the WCRIBMA.
(Refer to the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Manual, Appendix A - Bureau Rules and Procedures, IV. Changes in Classifications or Rates.)