What you need to know about COIDA claims in South Africa

If you’ve been injured at work or fallen ill because of your job, you might be wondering what to do next. The good news is, COIDA claims are designed to protect workers like you. Whether you’re a member of Solidarity or not, this article will help you understand your rights and the steps to take if you suffer from an occupational injury. If you are a Solidarity member you will have the benefit of being assisted by Solidarity during the claim process.

COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act) is a South African law that ensures workers are covered if they get injured, disabled, or even die due to a work-related accident or illness. But knowing your rights and how to claim can be tricky—that’s where we come in.

How does COIDA protect you?

The Compensation Fund offers financial relief and support if your injury or illness is caused by an accident arising out of and in the course of your employment. COIDA claims can cover:

• • Medical expenses
• • Temporary or permanent disability compensation
• • Rehabilitation services
• • Death benefits for dependents

This means your employer must report any injury or work-related illness, and you’re entitled to receive assistance.

Who qualifies for COIDA claims?

Anyone working in formal employment, whether permanent or temporary, qualifies under COIDA — except members of the South African National Defence Force who have a separate compensation system.

You do not need to be a union member to qualify for a claim, but having Solidarity on your side ensures you will not walk this path alone.

If you are unsure how to track your labour-related cases or where to start with your claim, contact our call centre for more details.

Steps to take after an occupational injury

Here is what you can do if you ar einjured at work or if you contracted an occupational disease:

1. 1. Report the injury/illness immediately to your employer.
2. 2. Seek medical attention — your employer should cover this. Obtain a medical report from the doctor treating you. This must be submitted to your employer and the compensation fund.
3. 3. Your employer must fill out a WCL 2 form and submit it to the Compensation Commissioner.
4. 4. Keep all receipts and medical records — these are crucial. Make sure that the medical practitioner completes the medical report in full.
5. 5. Stay informed and ask questions.

Need help? Contact us at diens@solidariteit.co.za or 086 125 2423.

The power of union support in COIDA claims

At Solidarity, we do more than offer guidance to our members. We handle about 800 COIDA claims per year on behalf of our members. In 2024 alone, we have recovered more than R153 million in compensation for our members — including pension benefits.

Pensions apply when a member receives 31% or more disability compensation.

Prevention is better than injury

Our work is not just reactive — we are also committed to prevention. Solidarity plays an active role on multiple Occupational Health and Safety advisory boards. We help develop and revise national safety guidelines, standards, and risk assessments.

We also facilitate health and safety training, instilling a strong health and safety culture within an organisation.

Why Solidarity members get more support

Being a qualifying Solidarity member means you have:

• • Direct access to expert legal and labour assistance
• • Help with filing documentation and follow-ups
• • Peace of mind knowing someone is walking the path with you.

Not yet a member? Visit our benefits page to see what is waiting for you. Do not wait until you are injured or when you contracted an occupational disease.

Conclusion: Do not let red tape hold you back

Occupational injuries and diseases can derail your life but you do not have to face them alone. Many onsite injuries are very serious and can impact your future in ways you never expected. It can influence your career for the rest of your life. COIDA claims are your right, and Solidarity is here to assist you so that your claim is attended to and that, depending on the merits of the claim, you are protected, represented and fairly compensated.

If you or someone you know needs advice with a COIDA claim, reach out to us at diens@solidariteit.co.za or 086 125 2423. Join Solidarity today!