Rating: California workers' compensation premiums start with a classification that reflects the hazards of the employer's operations (Insurance Code §11730(a)). Experience rating then uses a policyholder's past experience to forecast future losses, measured against policyholders in the same classification, to produce a prospective premium credit, debit or unity modification (§11730(c)). Worse-than-peer experience produces a debit that raises future premium. The modification looks forward; it is not a retroactive charge.

Federal exclusion: a state workers' compensation policy does not cover employees subject to federal workers' compensation or employers liability laws. Those workers need coverage under the federal program, usually added by endorsement.

Defense Base Act: the U.S. Department of Labor describes it as workers' compensation protection for civilian employees working outside the United States on U.S. military bases or under a U.S. government contract for public works or national defense. Under 42 U.S.C. §1651, the Longshore Act's provisions apply to these workers.

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act: under 33 U.S.C. §§902(3) and 903(a), it covers maritime employees such as longshoremen, ship repairmen and shipbuilders for injuries on navigable waters or adjoining areas like piers and dry docks. Section 902(3) leaves out a master or member of a crew, and office clerical workers who are subject to state workers' compensation. Section 903(b) bars compensation for officers or employees of the United States.

Jones Act: under 46 U.S.C. §30104(a), a seaman injured in the course of employment may elect to bring a civil action at law against the employer, with the right of trial by jury. The law borrows the rules for injured railway employees. So the Jones Act is a right to sue, not a schedule of benefits paid regardless of fault.