Compensation Fund wants all COIDA matters to be handled by the Labour court
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act (COIDA) amendments Bill has proposed that all disputes related to it be referred to the Labour Court instead of the High Court.
Addressing dozens of stakeholders at a public briefing on the amendments in Polokwane, Limpopo, (today) on Friday, Compensation Fund Legal Practitioner Irish Lephotho said the view seems to be supported by business.
“Where ever the word High Court appears in the current law, we have replaced them with the Labour Court,” he said.
The proposal is among the wide ranging raft of changes to the law being highlighted during the public hearings. Other proposals include the inclusion of domestic workers in COIDA as well as the rehabilitation and integration of injured workers.
The most significant amendments proposed in the COID Bill are:
- Inclusion of domestic workers under the category of employees for purpose of benefits in terms of the Act
- Rehabilitation and Reintegration framework of injured and or diseased employees into the workplace
- Administrative amendments
- Improvement of some benefits
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act applies to all employers; casual and full time workers who sustain workplace accident (are injured, disabled, or killed) or work- related diseases.
The COID Amendment Bill public hearings roadshow started on 19 November in Upington.
The remaining public hearings will be held as follows:
- Johannesburg – Birchwood Hotel on 03 December 2018
- Pretoria – Manhattan Hotel on 04 December 2018
- Durban – Gateway Hotel on 05 December 2018
- Pietermaritzburg – Ascot Wedding and Conference Centre on 06 December 2018
- Port Elizabeth – The Beach Hotel on 10 December 2018
- East London – Premier Hotel Regent on 11 December 2018
- Cape Town – Stellenbosch Lodge on 12 December 2018
- George – Chilly and Chive Lodge on 13 December 2018
All the public hearings will be held from 09:00-11:00 am.
Enquiries:
Mothusi Legwale
Cell: 082 823 1380
Teboho Thejane
Cell: 082 697 0694
