On 17 March 2020, the Department of Employment and Labour issued guidelines to deal with COVID-19 at work places, which was circulated to all members.
In addition, the Department recommends that employers:
- Be cognizant if the prescriptions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the applicable regulations in safeguarding their workplaces;
- Review and regularly update risk assessments, taking into account the new hazards posed by exposure to COVID-19;
- Prepare as far in advance as possible for potentially worsening outbreak conditions; and
- ‘go back to basics’ by conducting hazard identification and risk assessment, determine the level of risk exposure, and communicate with employees.
Furthermore, the Minister of Employment and Labour announced measures that the Department will put in place to contain the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) and its impact on UIF contributors.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund will compensate affected workers through its Illness and Reduced Work Time benefits. The guide is applicable to all employers who are registered with UIF and make contributions as required by the Contributions Act of 2002.
Please note that attempts to secure the UI2.1b form (from the Departments website) referred to in the guide have been unsuccessful, but Busa have requested same from the UIF and will share the form with members as soon as this is received.
A copy of the Easy Aid Guide for Employers is attached.