Article 4/2023

What are some of the guidelines to be taken into account to determine the degree of disability when an employee sustained an injury at the workplace?

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In Department of Labour: Compensation Commissioner v Botha (2022) 3 SALLR 17 (SCA), our
supreme court of appeal, inter alia, adopted the following approach:

  • it is important to realise that, in terms of s49(2)(a) of COIDA, if an employee sustained an injury
    in Schedule 2, such employee is presumed to be permanently disabled to the degree as set out
    in the second column
  • what is the meaning of the sixth item in the first column of Schedule 2, to the effect that, if an
    employee suffered an injury not listed in such schedule, he would be deemed to be 100%
    disabled?

    • the SCA indicated that not every injury not listed in Schedule 2 entails a 100% disablement
      and the extent of disability falling outside of Schedule 2 must be determined in the light of
      the specific facts of the specific case and according to medical evidence

What are the principles governing the vicarious liability of an employer for acts committed by an employee in breach of the EEA, in terms of s60 of the EEA?

The scenario is as follows: only employees working at a bakery and not employees working at a mill were party to the disputes when referred to conciliation.  At arbitration, the union wanted to join the employees working at the mill.

Is such joinder permissible?

What is the test for unfair discrimination formulated in Harksen v Lane and consistently applied subsequently by the various courts, including, recently, Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd t/a Blue Ribbon Bakery v FAWU (2022) 33 SALLR 277 (LC); (2022) 43 ILJ 1584 (LC)?