Business Environments

Question 1

The purpose of the act

Answer 1

Provides comprehensive protection to employees who get injured/ contract diseases while performing their duties.
COIDA applies to all casual/ full-time workers who become ill/ injured/ disabled/ die due to workplace accident/ disease.
It provides for the establishment of a Compensation Board whose function is to advise the Minister of Labour on the application/provisions of COIDA.
Provides compensation for employees/ families for injuries or death occurred while carrying out their duties.

Question 2

Positives of COIDA

Answer 2

Promotes safety in the workplace.
Claiming processes are relatively simple.

Question 3

Negatives of COIDA

Answer 3

Claiming processes can be time consuming.
Workers who work abroad temporarily/ permanent are not covered.

Question 4

Actions that are considered non-compliant

Answer 4

Employers who bribe/ prevent employees from reporting the accident/ injury.
Providing false information about previous, serious accidents/ occupational diseases.
Employers who do not contribute to the Compensation Fund.
Employers that take too long to process claims.

Question 5

Consequences of non-compliance

Answer 5

Businesses can be fined for refusing to lodge the complain.
They may be forced to pay any recovery costs required by the Compensation Fund.
Employees may take businesses to court for not registering them with the Compensation Fund.
If businesses are found guilty of any misconduct, they will have to pay large penalties/ face imprisonment.

Question 6

Ways in which businesses can comply with COIDA

Answer 6

Businesses should provide a healthy/ safe working environment.
Ensure that the equipment/machinery is in good working condition.
Levies must be paid to the Compensation Fund.
Keep records of employees income for 4 years.