COIDA Penalties for Non-Compliance

Ignoring COIDA is expensive and dangerous. The Department of Employment and Labour actively audits and prosecutes non-compliant employers.

Criminal Penalties

  • Unregistered employer: Fine or imprisonment up to 12 months
  • Failure to report accident: Fine up to R100,000
  • False statements: Fraud prosecution

Civil Liability

Unregistered employers lose COIDA protection. Injured workers can sue you personally for damages, often exceeding R1 million in serious cases.

Business Consequences

Without a Letter of Good Standing, you cannot bid on government tenders, obtain certain licenses, or achieve full B-BBEE recognition.