COIDA at a Glance !
⚖️ Everything You Need to Know About COIDA & Injury on Duty (IOD) Claims in South Africa
By Okuhle | Labour Law & Workplace Safety | July 2025
Workplace safety isn’t just a checklist — it’s a legal right. In South Africa, if you're injured while performing your job or contract an illness because of your work, you're protected by a law called the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), No. 130 of 1993.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what COIDA covers, how Injury on Duty (IOD) claims are filed, and what rights and responsibilities both employees and employers have in the process.
📘 What is COIDA?
COIDA is South Africa’s law that provides compensation to employees who are injured, disabled, or become ill due to workplace conditions. It also covers death benefits for the families of workers who die as a result of such incidents.
The Act removes the employee's right to sue their employer for damages — instead, a Compensation Fund pays out the claims. Employers contribute to this fund through annual or monthly assessments.
👷 Who is Covered?
The Act covers most people who are employed for a wage or salary. This includes:
- Full-time and part-time employees
- Casual workers (if under employment contract)
- Workers in high-risk sectors like mining, construction, logistics, and agriculture
Important Update: As of 2021, domestic workers are also included under COIDA following a Constitutional Court ruling.
🛠️ What Qualifies as an IOD?
An Injury on Duty (IOD) refers to an incident where an employee:
- Gets injured while performing work duties (e.g. falling off scaffolding)
- Is injured on work premises (even during lunch break, depending on circumstances)
- Contracts an occupational disease (e.g. lung disease due to exposure to toxic fumes)
Exclusions include:
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Injuries while under the influence (unless the employer is also negligent)
- Injuries resulting from criminal acts or gross misconduct
📝 Step-by-Step: How to File an IOD Claim
- Step 1: Report the Incident
The employee must report the injury to their employer within 7 days of the incident. - Step 2: Employer Reports to the Compensation Commissioner
The employer must submit a W.As.2 form to the Department of Labour within 7 days. - Step 3: Medical Treatment & Reports
The employee must receive treatment from a doctor. The doctor must complete and submit the W.CL.4 (First Medical Report) and follow-up forms like the W.CL.5 (Progress Reports). - Step 4: Employer Submits Salary Information
A W.As.8 form (Earnings Statement) must be submitted for the Compensation Fund to calculate payment. - Step 5: Final Medical Assessment
If the injury leads to long-term effects, a W.CL.6 (Final Medical Report) and W.CL.14 (Resumption Report) are submitted to finalise the claim. - Step 6: Compensation is Paid
The Compensation Fund may pay out a temporary disablement benefit, permanent disability lump sum, or a monthly pension, depending on the nature of the injury.
📑 Required Forms at a Glance:
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
| W.As.2 | Employer’s Report of Accident |
| W.CL.2 | Notice of Accident and Claim for Compensation |
| W.CL.4 | First Medical Report |
| W.CL.5 | Progress Medical Report |
| W.CL.6 | Final Medical Report |
| W.As.8 | Employer’s Wage Statement |
| W.CL.14 | Resumption Report (if employee returns to work) |
💼 Employer Responsibilities
Employers must:
- Register with the Compensation Fund
- Pay annual or monthly assessment fees
- Report IODs promptly
- Cooperate with medical practitioners and inspectors
- Support employees throughout the recovery and claims process
Failure to comply may result in fines or criminal charges under COIDA.
💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying the reporting of the injury
- Filing incomplete or incorrect forms
- Not getting medical reports in time
- Employers not submitting wage info (W.As.8)
- Not following up with the Compensation Fund
📬 Final Word
Whether you're a worker on the factory floor or a manager in the boardroom, COIDA is there to ensure that injury does not lead to poverty or neglect. Knowing your rights and obligations can make all the difference in ensuring justice, support, and safety in the workplace.
If you’ve been injured on duty, act fast, report correctly, and ensure your employer supports the process. Your health is your right — and the law has your back.
Need help understanding the forms or procedures? Drop your comment below or contact your nearest Department of Labour office for guidance.
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