Occupationally acquired COVID-19 – where do you stand?
By now most employers and employees, across all sectors and industries, are painfully aware of the impact of the global pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) on business.
It’s no secret that the virus has negatively disrupted many operators, with markets and currencies floundering as society reels from lockdowns, restricted movements, business closures and the like.
On Friday, 20 March South Africa’s Department of Labour published a notice on the compensation for occupationally acquired novel Coronavirus in terms of Section 6A of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).
A disease contracted by an employee during employment
Legislation defines occupationally acquired COVID-19 as a disease contracted by an employee arising out of and during his/her employment.
The notice deals with infection through exposure to confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the workplace, or after an official trip to high-risk countries or areas.
As employers in South Africa, we face a period of uncertainty, disruption and abnormality in the general business environment. We are obliged to implement the rules and regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
Law dictates that claims must be set out as per sections 65 and 66
When it comes to submitting related claims, the law dictates that claims must be set out as per sections 65 and 66 of the COID Act, and regulations must be followed through thoroughly to avoid claims by employees and fines imposed on the employer at a later stage.
As always, CRS Technologies is here to help and has the expertise to do so.
Contact our legislation team at info@crs.co.za for more information.