W.Cl.2 Employer Accident Report — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about reporting a workplace injury in South Africa using the W.Cl.2 form. Find answers about COIDA claims, deadlines, required documents, and the Compensation Fund process.
What is the W.Cl.2 form and when must it be submitted?
The W.Cl.2 is the official Employer's Report of an Accident form required under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), 1993. Employers must complete and submit this form to the Compensation Commissioner within 7 days whenever an employee suffers a work-related injury, contracts an occupational disease, or dies on duty.
Who is responsible for completing the W.Cl.2?
The employer is legally responsible for completing the W.Cl.2 form. This is typically done by the HR department, safety officer, or the business owner. The injured employee completes a separate form (W.Cl.1 — Employee's Report of an Accident). Both forms are needed for a complete Compensation Fund claim.
What is the difference between the W.Cl.1 and W.Cl.2?
The W.Cl.1 is the Employee's Report of an Accident (completed by the injured worker) and the W.Cl.2 is the Employer's Report of an Accident (completed by the employer). Both forms report the same incident from different perspectives. The Compensation Commissioner requires both forms to process a claim.
What happens if the employer submits the W.Cl.2 after the 7-day deadline?
Late submission can delay the processing of the employee's compensation claim. The employer may also face penalties under COIDA. In practice, the Compensation Fund will still accept late submissions, but the employee's access to medical treatment and compensation payments may be delayed. Some medical providers may refuse treatment until the W.Cl.2 is on file.
What documents must be attached to the W.Cl.2?
You should attach a copy of the employee's latest payslip (showing basic salary, allowances, and bonuses), the employee's ID document copy, the first medical report from the treating doctor (W.Cl.4 form), and the police case number if the incident was investigated by the SAPS. Some employers also attach witness statements and photographs of the accident scene.
What is Part B of the W.Cl.2 and what do I do with it?
Part B is the detachable section (automatic copy of page 1) that the employer must give to the injured employee. The employee takes Part B to the doctor or hospital as proof that the accident has been reported and that the Compensation Fund will cover the medical costs. Without Part B, the employee may have to pay for treatment upfront.
Does the employer need to be registered with the Compensation Fund?
Yes. Every employer who employs one or more workers must register with the Compensation Fund using the W.As.2 form. The employer registration number is required on the W.Cl.2 form. Unregistered employers face prosecution under COIDA and may be held personally liable for the employee's medical costs and compensation.
What injuries and illnesses must be reported on the W.Cl.2?
All work-related injuries must be reported, including physical injuries from accidents, occupational diseases caused by workplace conditions (e.g. hearing loss from noise, respiratory illness from dust), repetitive strain injuries, and any death on duty. Even minor injuries that require medical treatment beyond basic first aid should be reported to protect both the employer and employee.
How does the employee claim compensation after the W.Cl.2 is submitted?
Once the W.Cl.2 is submitted, the Compensation Commissioner opens a claim file. The employee presents Part B to their treating doctor, who completes the W.Cl.4 (First Medical Report). Medical costs are paid directly by the Compensation Fund. If the employee cannot work for more than 3 days, they are entitled to compensation for temporary total disablement at 75% of their earnings, paid from the first day of disablement.
Can a domestic worker's employer submit a W.Cl.2?
Yes. Since April 2020, domestic workers are covered by COIDA. Their employers must register with the Compensation Fund and submit a W.Cl.2 if the domestic worker is injured during the course of their employment. The same 7-day reporting deadline applies.
Where do I submit the completed W.Cl.2 form?
Submit the completed W.Cl.2 to the Compensation Commissioner at the Department of Employment and Labour. You can submit by post (PO Box 955, Pretoria 0001), by hand at the Compensation Fund offices in Pretoria, or through the online CompEasy system (if registered). Some provincial labour centres also accept W.Cl.2 forms for forwarding to Pretoria.
Is my information safe when using FillMeIn to prepare the W.Cl.2?
Yes. FillMeIn processes all data entirely on your device. Employee identity numbers, medical information, earnings details, and all other form entries never leave your phone or computer — nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. This is especially important for the W.Cl.2 which contains sensitive employee health and financial information.
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