CRS News Flash 25 October 2021 – SOUTH AFRICA – Notice on compensation for Covid-19 vaccination side-effects

COID ACT NOTICE

It is important that employers note the following:

Notice on compensation for Covid-19 vaccination side-effects
The Compensation Fund will cover employees for injuries, illness or death after receiving a Covid-19 vaccine. This will only be applicable in accordance with the below requirements:

·        Mandatory vaccination due to employment requirements determined by the employer’s risk assessment.

·        The employee must have been vaccinated with the SAHPRA-approved Covid-19 vaccine.

·        The employee must provide evidence of the employer’s risk assessment and vaccination plan as set out in paragraph 3(1)(a)(i)(ii) and (b) of the Consolidated Directions on Occupational Health and Safety Measures in certain workplaces, dated 28 May 2021.

·        The chronological order between receipt of the vaccine and the development of symptoms and clinical signs must be provided.

·        The employee must have presented with symptoms and clinical signs that are generally recognised as side-effects of the Covid-19 vaccine.

·        Additional tests may be required to assess the presence of abnormalities of any organ affected.

Claims will be adjudicated and compensation determined and paid in terms of the Act and guidelines of the Compensation Fund.

This notice does not serve to establish any law, regulation or rule that employers should subject their employees to be vaccinated against their will.

To view the government notice, follow the link.