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 sudden, unforeseen workplace accident resulting in injury or death.

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. Note: if the employee contracted an occupational disease (rather than an accident), the employer must use the W.Cl.1 form instead.

What is the difference between the W.Cl.1 and W.Cl.2?

The W.Cl.1 is the Employer's Report of an Occupational Disease — used when an employee contracts a disease related to their working conditions (e.g. hearing loss, respiratory illness, skin conditions). The W.Cl.2 is the Employer's Report of an Accident — used when an employee suffers a sudden, unforeseen injury or death arising from a workplace accident. Both are submitted by the employer to the Compensation Commissioner, but they cover different types of incidents.

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?

The W.Cl.2 covers workplace accidents — sudden, unforeseen events resulting in physical injuries, fractures, burns, lacerations, or death on duty. Even minor injuries that require medical treatment beyond basic first aid should be reported. For occupational diseases (e.g. hearing loss from noise, respiratory illness from dust, skin conditions from chemicals), the employer must use the W.Cl.1 form instead.

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 4 days or more, 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 March 2021, 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.

W.Cl.2 — Employer's Report of an Accident

Department of Employment and Labour · Verified 1 May 2026