⚖️ What Are Your Rights During a Department of Labour Compliance Blitz?
17 Aug 2025
When the Department of Labour conducts a surprise inspection, it can feel like a raid. But employers have rights - and knowing them can make all the difference.
🕵️ Do Inspectors Need to Give Notice?
No formal notice is required for inspections under labour law. Inspectors may arrive unannounced.
However, employers can request identification and confirmation of the inspector’s mandate.
You’re entitled to ask for a written list of what’s being inspected (e.g., BCEA, OHSA, UIF).
🛠️ Do Employers Get a Chance to Fix Issues?
Yes. Most findings result in a compliance order, not immediate penalties.
Employers are usually given 14 days to correct non-compliance before further action is taken.
You can appeal or request an extension if the correction requires more time or resources.
🚨 What Can Lead to Arrest?
Arrest is rare and reserved for serious or willful violations.
🧾 What Should You Keep Ready?
Contracts and payslips for all employees
UIF registration and payment proof
Health and safety file (especially for construction or industrial sites)
Leave records and working hours logs
🧘♀️ Staying Calm and Cooperative
Inspectors are not your enemy. A respectful, transparent approach can turn a blitz into a learning moment. If you’re unsure about a finding, ask for clarification and document everything.
More Posts
27% of Our Turnover, Given Back
Every year, we ask ourselves a simple question: If openHR exists to dignify work, how do we dignify the world around that work?
This year, the answer was clear.
We donated 27% of our turnover to evidence‑based, high‑impact charities - organisations that don’t just do good, but prove it. read more
December 27, 2025
Introducing the New Statutory Calculation Engine
As openHR continues to grow, we’re committed to keeping payroll fast, accurate, and resilient. With the start of the new tax year, we’ve upgraded all users to our new Statutory Calculation Engine. read more
