Celebrating 70 Years of NOSA
This year marks a monumental milestone for NOSA’s Auditing Services, part of SafetyCloud, as we celebrate 70 years of advancing workplace safety across South Africa. The first NOSA Star Grading audits (based on 22 elements) began in 1954, following the South African government’s establishment of the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA) in 1951 to improve workplace safety. In 1964, the first NOSA safety courses were presented to industry.
Since its founding, NOSA has transformed workplace health and safety practices and significantly contributed to the decline in workplace-related accidents and injuries in South Africa.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the progress South Africa has made in workplace safety,” says Chantal Gray, Managing Director of SafetyCloud. “It’s not just about numbers; it’s about lives saved, injuries prevented, and families protected. NOSA’s work over the last 70 years has laid a foundation of safety practices that are deeply ingrained in South Africa’s business culture.”
A Legacy Rooted in Impactful Change
NOSA was established at a time when workplace injuries were far too common. In 1951, the South African government launched the National Occupational Safety Association, or NOSA, to address a disturbing statistic: there were 4.1 deaths and disabling injuries per 200,000 employee hours.
From its inception, NOSA set a clear mandate: to provide robust health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards that would change the safety landscape of South African workplaces. Now, seven decades later, NOSA has established itself as a heritage brand in occupational health and safety, remaining at the forefront of workplace safety innovations and standards in South Africa.
Building a Culture of Safety Through the Years
NOSA led the charge in workplace safety improvements with hundreds of thousands of hours of rigorous auditing, safety training, and standards development that, within 25 years of NOSA’s inception, dropped the fatal incidents to 1.1, a significant milestone demonstrating the impact of NOSA’s programmes and interventions.
Through the development of industry-specific protocols, NOSA championed the use of safety audits, on-site risk assessments, and HSE training, which have since become standard practices in South African industries.
NOSA’s mission also emphasises the connection between workplace safety and economic empowerment. By reducing workplace accidents, businesses not only protect their people but also cut costs, improve productivity, and boost their B-BBEE scorecards. “We want businesses to understand that safety isn’t just a compliance requirement; it’s a driver for financial growth and community well-being,” Gray adds.
A Legacy of Safety in South African Workplaces
Over the years, NOSA developed the Five-Star System, a respected safety grading and auditing process that assesses businesses based on rigorous safety standards. This system enables companies to assess their safety and compliance standards objectively, with higher ratings indicating adherence to NOSA’s comprehensive safety benchmarks. The Five-Star System soon became a model not only for South Africa but also for other emerging markets facing similar workplace safety challenges.
NOSA’s Impact on South Africa’s Economy and Workplaces
With its initiatives, NOSA has helped over 20,000 businesses to develop stronger safety cultures, decreasing workplace injuries while simultaneously reducing operational costs. The adoption of NOSA’s protocols has allowed companies to improve their safety records and financial standings by reducing accidents and associated insurance claims. Moreover, by enhancing B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) scores through safety training, NOSA has helped numerous South African businesses stay competitive while contributing to local economic empowerment.
Gray said: “NOSA’s 70-year journey reflects an ongoing commitment to safety and resilience. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the future, focusing on developing new training methods and expanding our reach to equip South African businesses with the tools they need for a safer tomorrow.”
Evolving Challenges and Opportunities in Occupational Safety
The South African labour market has changed significantly over the past seven decades, bringing new safety challenges. As industries have grown more complex, so have the risks. In sectors like mining, manufacturing, and construction, workers face heightened exposure to hazards such as chemical spills, machinery accidents, and fire incidents.
Technological advancements also present both challenges and opportunities. While automation and AI reduce some workplace risks, they introduce others, such as cyber vulnerabilities that can affect plant safety systems. This evolution requires constant updates in HSE training to keep pace with new risks and technological advancements. Recognising this, NOSA has expanded its programmes to include courses on modern hazards and preventive technologies, helping companies better prepare for the emerging risks that come with digital transformation.
A Look at the Future of Workplace Safety
The future of workplace safety is likely to be shaped by digitalisation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. With SafetyCloud now overseeing NOSA’s training and certification programmes, the organisation has moved to embrace online learning, making over 100 courses available through a digital platform that allows flexible, on-demand access to safety training. This expansion has extended NOSA’s reach beyond major cities, bringing high-quality safety education to businesses in rural and remote areas.
The demand for workplace safety professionals is also growing, a trend NOSA aims to support through its training programmes that provide certifications recognised nationwide. This focus on professional development is crucial in a world where workplace environments are evolving rapidly, requiring skilled safety professionals who can respond to the unique demands of each industry.
A Legacy of Excellence, a Future of Innovation
As NOSA celebrates 70 years, it reflects on a legacy marked by commitment, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of safety excellence. The organisation’s dedication to improving safety standards in South Africa’s workplaces has not only saved lives but also strengthened the overall economy by fostering productivity and resilience.
Gray reflects, “NOSA’s journey is not just about the past; it’s about a dedication to adapt and grow with each generation. As we move forward, we will continue to advance our methods, embracing modern technologies and new educational models to remain a pillar of safety excellence.”
Looking ahead, NOSA remains committed to setting the standard for occupational safety, continuously working to help South African businesses create safer work environments. With an eye on the future and a commitment to innovation, NOSA is prepared to lead the next chapter of workplace safety in South Africa.
NOSA’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder that safety doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a collective effort and a steadfast commitment to making workplaces safer, healthier, and more productive. Here’s to the next 70 years and beyond of prioritising safety, transforming workplaces, and impacting lives for the better.