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Workman’s Compensation (COIDA) in South Africa

What employers and employees need to know

If someone is injured or becomes ill because of their work, South African law provides protection through the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).

This guide explains:

  • What COIDA is

  • Who must register

  • What employers must do

  • What employees are entitled to

  • What happens if someone gets injured

  • What it costs

What is COIDA?

COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act) is a law that protects workers if they are:

  • Injured while working

  • Injured while performing a work-related task

  • Diagnosed with a work-related illness

  • Injured while travelling for work purposes

It provides financial compensation and covers medical costs.

COIDA applies to most employees in South Africa, including domestic workers.

Who Must Register?

Employer’s Duty

If you employ someone, including a domestic worker/Gardener you are legally required to:

  • Register with the Compensation Fund

  • Submit annual earnings declarations

  • Pay annual assessment fees

This applies even if:

  • The employee works part-time

  • The employee works only one day per week

  • The employee works in your private home

What Does It Cost?

COIDA is paid by the employer only.

❌ You may not deduct COIDA fees from an employee’s salary.

The annual cost depends on:

  • The employee’s total earnings

  • The risk category of the work

For domestic workers, the risk category is generally low, so the annual fee is usually modest.

The Compensation Fund calculates the assessment each year after you submit your earnings declaration.

What Are the Employer’s Duties?

As an employer, you must:

✅ 1. Register with the Compensation Fund

You can register online via the Department of Employment and Labour.

✅ 2. Pay annual assessments

After declaring earnings, you’ll receive a notice of assessment.

✅ 3. Report injuries within 7 days

If your employee is injured, you must:

  • Report the injury to the Compensation Fund

  • Complete and submit the required forms

  • Assist the employee with medical documentation

✅ 4. Keep records

You must keep:

  • Employee details

  • Salary records

  • Incident reports

Failure to register or report an injury can result in penalties.

What Are the Employee’s Rights?

If you are injured at work, you have the right to:

  • Receive medical treatment

  • Claim compensation for temporary disability

  • Claim compensation for permanent disability (if applicable)

  • Claim compensation for occupational diseases

  • Claim benefits for dependants (in case of death)

You do not have to pay for these benefits — they come from the Compensation Fund.

What Happens If Someone Gets Injured?

Here’s the step-by-step process:

🩹 Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

The employee must see a doctor as soon as possible.

Tell the doctor the injury happened at work.

📄 Step 2: Employer Reports the Injury

The employer must:

  • Complete the injury report form

  • Submit it to the Compensation Fund within 7 days

  • Provide employee details and salary information

🏥 Step 3: Medical Reports Are Submitted

The doctor submits:

  • First medical report

  • Progress reports

  • Final medical report

💰 Step 4: Compensation is Paid (If Approved)

Depending on the severity:

  • Temporary disability: Employee receives a portion of their earnings while unable to work

  • Permanent disability: Lump sum or pension payment

  • Death benefit: Dependants may receive financial support

Medical expenses are paid directly by the Fund.

7️⃣ Important Legal Protection

If an employer is properly registered under COIDA:

  • The employee generally cannot sue the employer for damages

  • The Compensation Fund handles the compensation

However, if the employer is not registered, the employer may become personally liable for medical and compensation costs.

8️⃣ What If the Employer Is Not Registered?

If an employee is injured and the employer has not registered:

  • The Compensation Fund may still assist the employee

  • The employer may face penalties

  • The employer may have to reimburse the Fund

  • The employer may face legal consequences

Registration protects both parties.

Does COIDA Cover Everything?

COIDA does not cover:

  • Injuries that happen outside work

  • Injuries caused by serious misconduct

  • Unreported or late-reported incidents

Always report injuries immediately.

How AskMandla Helps

AskMandla can help by:

  • Assisting Employers to register

  • Explaining duties and rights clearly

  • Providing guidance on injury reporting

  • Storing records securely

  • Supporting both parties through the process

Just message: “COIDA help” on WhatsApp.

📌 Key Takeaways

For Employers:

  • Registration is mandatory

  • You pay the assessment, not the employee

  • Report injuries within 7 days

  • Keep proper records

For Employees:

  • You are entitled to medical care and compensation

  • You must report injuries immediately

  • Your employer must assist you

  • You do not pay for COIDA coverage