COIDA regulatory changes to inspection, claims prescription and return-to-work measures

SHE Alert 7, 6 March 2026

On 6 March 2026, the Minister of Employment and Labour published several new regulations under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) following consultation with the Compensation Board and the Compensation Commissioner. These regulations introduce updated procedures governing the administration and enforcement of the Compensation Fund system.

The regulations cover four key areas:

• Prescription of claims, establishing time limits within which claims must be submitted to the Compensation Fund.

• Inspection, compliance and enforcement, introducing regulatory oversight mechanisms under Chapter XA.

• Rehabilitation, reintegration and return-to-work, providing guidance on supporting employees who have suffered occupational injuries or diseases.

• Registration of third parties, regulating entities such as medical service providers, administrators and other parties that transact with the Compensation Fund.

These regulations came into effect immediately on the date of publication (6 March 2026). Employers need to review their internal compliance systems and HR policies to ensure alignment with the new framework, particularly in relation to claims prescription periods, inspection requirements, and the inclusion of employee rehabilitation and return-to-work processes.

The amendments signal a stronger regulatory focus on compliance, oversight and employee reintegration, requiring organisations to proactively manage workplace injury and occupational disease processes within the COIDA framework.