Business Insider SA reports that domestic workers who suffer injury or contract an illness at work now have a mechanism to apply for compensation, after the Compensation Fund commissioner Vuyo Mafata gazetted new terms on Wednesday.

The rules follow a landmark Constitutional Court ruling in November 2020, which forced recognition of domestic workers under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). The effects are far-reaching. Domestic workers – whether they have an express contract not – are covered by three main compensation measures as determined by the COIDA. These are temporary total disablement; permanent disablement lump sums; and permanent disablement pensions. Benefits, and minimum and maximum compensation limits, are based on the type and extent of an injury or disability. The Fund will also cover “reasonable” medical expenses following on-the-job incidents. If the employee requires chronic medication, as a direct result of an injury or illness contracted while at work, the Fund will cover these costs as well. Various other benefits also apply. Employers are required to register workers and also submit a Return of Earnings (ROE) form on an annual basis.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luke Daniel at Business Insider SA

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