{"id":681,"date":"2021-06-20T18:14:20","date_gmt":"2021-06-20T18:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/feosa.co.za\/?p=681"},"modified":"2021-06-20T18:42:46","modified_gmt":"2021-06-20T18:42:46","slug":"coida-and-employers-of-domestic-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/feosa.co.za\/index.php\/2021\/06\/20\/coida-and-employers-of-domestic-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"COIDA and Employers of Domestic Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Government has gazetted new rules for domestic workers in South Africa, which will see them covered under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida).<\/p>

The changes, which were officially introduced in March, confirm that domestic workers are now covered under the act for illness or injury contracted at work.<\/p>

What protection does this cover offer your employee?<\/strong><\/h4>

In the event that they fall ill or suffer an injury as a direct result of their employment, they will be able to claim compensation for temporary or permanent disability, assistance with medical bills, orthotic or assistive devices and rehabilitation services.<\/p>

In the event of their death, their dependants can claim compensation from the fund for funeral expenses and ongoing support in the form of a widow\/widower\u2019s pension or lump sum, a child pension or additional dependency award to cover parents, siblings and other family members who may have been dependent on the employee.<\/p>

What does this mean for employers?<\/strong><\/h4>

Along with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), employers will need to pay towards the COIDA to ensure their domestic employee(s) are covered, as commercial businesses currently do.<\/p>

The definition \u201cdomestic worker\u201d includes your domestic helper, gardener, nanny, caregiver and chauffeurs employed in private households irrespective of the number of hours that they work in the private household.<\/p>

Where an employment contract already exists, a domestic worker should be registered by an employer as soon as possible.<\/p>

When must I register?<\/strong><\/h4>

Going forward \u2013 within 7 days of signing an employment contract with a new employee<\/p>

For existing employees \u2013 as soon as possible. It seems likely that penalties for non-registration will kick in after the end of March 2022.<\/p>

If you fail to register you will be opening yourself up to substantial penalties and possible claims in the event your employee is injured at work.<\/p>

How do I register?<\/strong><\/h4>

Download<\/a> Government Gazette number 44250. Included in this document (pages 12-16) is the CF-1E form – Application for the registration of the domestic worker employer. Print out a copy and fill it in with your particulars.<\/p>

Prepare the following documents:<\/p>