The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) is a statutory insurance policy for your employees and pays them compensation if they are killed, injured, disabled or contract an occupational disease or illness whilst at work.
Employers are required to submit an annual return which is due on 31 May this year.
The return can be done online and is relatively simple to do. Neither is it expensive.
Administration
There is quite a bit of administration to do if one of your workers is, say, injured. Make sure you have a designated person who can do this.
Employee definition is wide
Temporary and casual workers are covered as are trainees.
Involve your staff
Your staff does not contribute to the fund but they stand to get benefits from it. Get them involved in helping make the workplace safer and less prone to disease. It will help foster team spirit and a sense of belonging in the organisation.
Finally, not complying with this Act means you cannot get a letter of good standing which means you will not be allowed to bid for tenders. Penalties can also be levied for non-compliance.