Reporting a workplace accident in Benin: the 48-hour legal deadline
In Benin, reporting a workplace accident to the CNSS is a legal obligation subject to a strict deadline of 48 working hours. Any failure to comply exposes the employer to administrative and financial penalties.
Workplace accidents in Benin are governed by Law No. 98-004 of 27 January 1998 establishing the Labour Code of the Republic of Benin, together with the implementing decrees relating to the CNSS, the national social security fund.
The 48-hour legal deadline
Article 184 of the Beninese Labour Code requires every employer to report any workplace accident to the Labour Inspectorate and the CNSS within a maximum of 48 working hours. The clock starts running as soon as the employer becomes aware of the accident.
The reporting procedure
Attend to the victim immediately, record the facts in the accident register, complete the declaration form available from the CNSS, submit it to the competent Labour Inspectorate, and provide the supporting documents: initial medical certificate, witness statements and photographs.
Penalties for non-compliance
Failure to report exposes the employer to an administrative fine, to bearing the medical costs out of its own funds if the CNSS refuses coverage, and to criminal proceedings in the event of repeat offences or concealment.
Anticipate rather than react
A clear internal procedure, an up-to-date register and trained staff make it possible to meet the deadline without rushing. IFECARM GROUP helps Beninese companies build these reflexes and integrate accident management into a complete QHSE system.
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