01/02/2026
WHAT ALL EMPLOYERS SHOULD PREPARE FOR BEFORE APRIL 2026
A Simple, Practical Guide
1. Treat COIDA like a financial risk (not admin)
If an accident isn’t reported within 7 days:
- You may pay 100% of the compensation costs
- Plus penalties and interest
Action:
Create a clear accident reporting process even for one domestic worker.
2. Fix your record-keeping now
- Claims can surface up to 3 years later.
- Transport and accident records must be kept for 5 years.
Action:
Store contracts, ID copies, wage records, accident logs, and COIDA documents securely.
3. Understand your transport liability
If you arrange transport:
- You’re liable from pick-up to drop-off
- Fault does not remove responsibility
Action:
Review transport arrangements, lifts, and shuttle services.
4. Don’t assume subcontractors are compliant
If a subcontractor hasn’t paid COIDA:
- Their employees legally become your responsibility
Action:
Request proof of COIDA registration and payments, every time.
5. Prepare for inspections (even at home)
Inspectors can:
- Enter without notice
- Demand documents
- Question you under oath
- Issue Labour Court–enforceable orders
Action:
Be inspection-ready at all times.
6. Shift your mindset to rehabilitation
COIDA now prioritises:
- Medical recovery
- Work adjustments
- Reintegration
Good news:
Employers who support rehabilitation may qualify for assessment rebates.
Action:
Plan how injured workers will be supported back to work.
The real takeaway
These changes aren’t about punishment.
They’re about forcing employers to take worker safety seriously.
And the employers who prepare early will: ✔ Avoid penalties
✔ Reduce long-term costs
✔ Sleep better at night
If you are not sure where to start, drop us an email: [email protected]