Dave Honeyman: Business Head of Accident & Health and Motor Fleet Solutions at SHA

It is estimated that 50% of registered companies in South Africa are not registered or compliant with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Given that an estimated 220 000 employees sustain occupational related injuries or diseases every year, it is essential for South African companies to ensure their compliance with the Act and have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits that can be derived for employees.

Answering the need for this niche service offering, SHA Risk Specialists recently launched an employee injury assist value-add product aimed at making the process for companies more seamless.

The Act; which provides cover for employees against diseases, injuries and fatal incidences incurred while working requires that all South African employers with one or more part – or full – time workers must be registered with the Compensation Fund and pay annual fees accordingly.

However, according to Dave Honeyman: Business Head of Accident & Health and Motor Fleet Solutions at SHA, companies face a number of hurdles to becoming registered and remaining compliant. As he explains, some of these challenges include administrative delays, a complex claims process, large upfront deposits for emergency medical treatment and lengthy delays in being reimbursed by the Compensation Fund.

“Through our extensive experience working with firms across various sectors, we have identified a need for more companies to understand exactly how the COIDA works and how compliance with the Act can contribute to healthier workplace cultures and help employers fulfill their duty to provide adequate protection for their workers. Our research has enabled us to understand the pain points that face companies who need to comply with the Act and we have tailored our product to address those challenges and make compliance easier. With this launch, we also aim to bring all stakeholders in the process, including Government, Business and employees closer together so that more supportive workplaces can be fostered.” says Honeyman.

The newly launched product will provide SHA clients with administrative support and technical advice on how to become compliant with COIDA. This will include registration with COIDA, Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) or The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) and the issuing of a certificate of good standing. SHA will also assist clients in completing their annual declaration and ensure that the tariffs they are paying are aligned with the relevant industry and claims history.

Companies who are compliant with the Act will be able to provide their workers with much-needed compensation in the event of physical injury or loss incurred on duty. Employees will have access to medical facilities, emergency care, transportation costs as well as protection against loss of income in the event of temporary disablement

To offer this new level of service to clients, SHA has collaborated with service provider, Sena Financial Services, who partner with the Compensation Fund to enable a smoother claims process and improved client service for registered businesses.

Ernest Hadzhi, Chief Executive Officer at Sena Financial Services, adds: “what we are enabling is a culture of compliance that will serve the millions of South African employees who experience various levels of risk in their jobs on a daily basis. We are confident that this service will streamline the registration process, help with the facilitation of claims and provide vital support for companies.”

Concluding his thoughts on what this means for South African businesses, Honeyman had this to say: “it is the statutory duty of every company to offer this benefit to their employees and comply with the legislation that was ultimately put in place as a risk mitigation strategy for businesses. It is also an effective way for companies to showcase their worker benefits and demonstrate their commitment to employee wellness.”