Page 7 - Interface July 2024

COIDA:

How does it affect my

Domestic Worker?

All domestic workers are now On 10 February 2021, the Department due, thus limiting the liability of
required to have Occupational of Labour issued a notice (Notice 106 employers in respect of occupational
Health and Safety insurance of 2021) which not only implements injuries and diseases.
under the Compensation for the changes to the Act but also
Occupational Injuries and Diseases places an obligation on employers of Employers of domestic workers are
Act, Act 130 of 1993 (‘COIDA’). domestic employees to register as therefore made aware of their duty
employers with the Compensation to register. Registration can be done
Employers are traditionally Fund and to submit the necessary on the Department of Labour’s
required to register with the returns as is required by COIDA. website.
Compensation Fund within 7 days
of employing their first employee. A registered employer is required to For assistance contact UIF Connect
Besides being subject to a fine pay an annual fee into the fund, which on:
for non-compliance if they don’t, is calculated on the amount earned by employers@uifconnect.co.za
employers will also be open to civil the domestic employee and the risk info@uifconnect.co.za
claims if an employee is injured on associated with the job. T: 063 639 4314
duty or becomes sick as a result of (from 9:00 – 15:00 weekdays)
their employment. The main employer of a domestic
worker (which includes part-time
Interestingly enough, the 7-day and full-time employees as well as
rule does not apply to the current gardeners) is held accountable for any
COIDA change to include domestic workplace injuries sustained by the
workers. Domestic employers domestic employee in the course and
have merely been “encouraged to scope of employment. If registered
register with the Compensation with COIDA, the Compensation
Fund without delay”. Commissioner will pay compensation

INTERFACEDigimag | July 2024 | 5