5) Compensation of injuries and disease act (COIDA)

• Purpose

  • Provides comprehensive protection for employees injured while performing job duties.
  • COIDA covers all workers affected by workplace accidents or diseases, whether casual or full time, including those who become ill, injured, disabled or killed.
  • Excludes workers who are guilty of wilful misconduct/ workers working outside South Africa for last 12 months/ members of the SA Defence Force/ Police services.
• Impact

  Positives

  • Promotes safety in the workplace.
  • Claiming processes are relatively simple.
  • Employees do not contribute towards fund.
• Impact

  Negatives

  • Claiming processes can be time consuming.
  • Domestic/ Military workers not covered.
  • Implementation processes required by Act may be expensive.
• Discriminatory actions

  • Employers who don't contribute to Compensation Fund.
  • Employers prevent employees from reporting accident.
  • Employers taking too long to process claims in claiming process.
• Penalties for non-compliance

  • Refusing to lodge claim or contravening the Act can result in fines for businesses.
  • May be forced to pay recovery costs required by Compensation Fund.
  • Businesses found guilty of misconduct may face significant fines or imprisonment.
• Ways to comply

  • Levies must be paid to Compensation Fund.
  • Report all incidents causing death/ illness of employees.
  • Business provide healthy/ safe working environment.