NOSA Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Audits
NOSA Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Audits
Set the standard for safety excellence. The NOSA Five Star Systems are the gold standard for Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Audits across Africa and beyond. For over 70 years, it’s helped companies proactively manage risk, reduce workplace incidents, and build a resilient HSE culture – no matter their size, sector or location. As South Africa’s leading provider of HSE audit solutions, we offer a structured approach to evaluating real-world safety performance.
Pioneering Workplace Safety Since 1954
Set the standard for safety excellence. The NOSA Five Star Systems are the gold standard for Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Audits across Africa and beyond. For over 70 years, it’s helped companies proactively manage risk, reduce workplace incidents, and build a resilient HSE culture – no matter their size, sector or location. As South Africa’s leading provider of HSE audit solutions, we offer a structured approach to evaluating real-world safety performance.
Pioneering Workplace Safety Since 1954
NOSA Audit Systems
NOSA offers a range of audit systems designed to address different organisational requirements. Each system is risk-driven and tailored to the operational profile of your business.
NOSA Integrated Five Star System (CMB253)
Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Audit
The CMB253 system provides a fully integrated health, safety and environmental audit, covering all environmental requirements in addition to occupational health and safety.
It is suited to organisations that require a comprehensive HSE framework, particularly where environmental performance and ESG considerations form part of operational or stakeholder requirements.
The audit results in a platinum star grading (0–5 stars) and provides a complete view of system effectiveness across HSE disciplines.
NOSA Five Star System (CMB150)
Occupational Health and Safety Audit
The CMB150 system focuses on occupational health and safety, with limited environmental elements such as pollution prevention, waste management and resource conservation.
It is suitable for organisations that require a structured approach to managing workplace safety risks while maintaining alignment with key environmental considerations.
The audit evaluates both system implementation and real-world safety performance, resulting in a green star grading (0–5 stars).
NOSA Contractors System (CMB276)
Contractor Safety Management Audit
The CMB276 system is designed for contractors and SMMEs operating within a principal client’s environment.
This audit evaluates how contractors manage safety, health and environmental risks in relation to both their own operations and the risks associated with the principal client’s site.
The system assesses five key areas, including housekeeping, safeguarding, emergency risk management, incident management and organisational controls.
Unlike the Five Star systems, this audit does not issue a star grading. Organisations that meet the required criteria receive a Certificate of Compliance, valid for a defined period.
NOSA Audit Systems
NOSA offers a range of audit systems designed to address different organisational requirements. Each system is risk-driven and tailored to the operational profile of your business.
NOSA Integrated Five Star System (CMB253)
Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Audit
The CMB253 system provides a fully integrated health, safety and environmental audit, covering all environmental requirements in addition to occupational health and safety.
It is suited to organisations that require a comprehensive HSE framework, particularly where environmental performance and ESG considerations form part of operational or stakeholder requirements.
The audit results in a platinum star grading (0–5 stars) and provides a complete view of system effectiveness across HSE disciplines.
NOSA Five Star System (CMB150)
Occupational Health and Safety Audit
The CMB150 system focuses on occupational health and safety, with limited environmental elements such as pollution prevention, waste management and resource conservation.
It is suitable for organisations that require a structured approach to managing workplace safety risks while maintaining alignment with key environmental considerations.
The audit evaluates both system implementation and real-world safety performance, resulting in a green star grading (0–5 stars).
NOSA Contractors System (CMB276)
Contractor Safety Management Audit
The CMB276 system is designed for contractors and SMMEs operating within a principal client’s environment.
This audit evaluates how contractors manage safety, health and environmental risks in relation to both their own operations and the risks associated with the principal client’s site.
The system assesses five key areas, including housekeeping, safeguarding, emergency risk management, incident management and organisational controls.
Unlike the Five Star systems, this audit does not issue a star grading. Organisations that meet the required criteria receive a Certificate of Compliance, valid for a defined period.
Industry-Specific Addenda (CMB150 & CMB253)
Industry-specific addenda are available for the NOSA Five Star System (CMB150) and the NOSA Integrated Five Star System (CMB253).
These addenda ensure that audits reflect the unique risks, operational environments and regulatory requirements of specific industries.
Mining
Protocols are available for a range of mining environments, including:
- Open-cast mining
- Underground coal
- Underground hard rock
- Underground other mineral mining
- Quarries
- Surface plants
Forestry
Audit requirements are adapted to address the specific risks and operating conditions within forestry environments.
Solar
Industry-specific protocols are available for solar photovoltaic (PV) operations, supporting organisations within renewable energy sectors.
Custom Industry Addenda
Where required, additional addenda can be developed to align with specific client requirements, industry standards or unique operational risks.
This ensures that the NOSA audit framework remains flexible and fully aligned to your organisation’s environment.
Industry-Specific Addenda (CMB150 & CMB253)
Industry-specific addenda are available for the NOSA Five Star System (CMB150) and the NOSA Integrated Five Star System (CMB253).
These addenda ensure that audits reflect the unique risks, operational environments and regulatory requirements of specific industries.
Mining
Protocols are available for a range of mining environments, including:
- Open-cast mining
- Underground coal
- Underground hard rock
- Underground other mineral mining
- Quarries
- Surface plants
Forestry
Audit requirements are adapted to address the specific risks and operating conditions within forestry environments.
Solar
Industry-specific protocols are available for solar photovoltaic (PV) operations, supporting organisations within renewable energy sectors.
Custom Industry Addenda
Where required, additional addenda can be developed to align with specific client requirements, industry standards or unique operational risks.
This ensures that the NOSA audit framework remains flexible and fully aligned to your organisation’s environment.
What’s Covered in a NOSA HSE Audit?
NOSA Five Star and Integrated audits are conducted by experienced health and safety auditors who understand the real-world complexity of risk management. The system evaluates your HSE performance across 76 elements, grouped into seven key areas:
- Organisational Context and Interested Parties
- Leadership and Worker Participation
- Risk Planning and Hazard Identification
- Operational Control and Preparedness
- Legal Compliance and Evaluation
- Performance Measurement and Review
- Continuous Improvement
HSE/OHS Audits consider both qualitative effort (what systems are in place) and quantitative experience (real-world incident data, including DIFR). The result is a star grading between 0 and 5 stars, with the highest performers qualifying for a NOSCAR Award.
What’s Covered in a NOSA HSE Audit?
NOSA Five Star and Integrated audits are conducted by experienced health and safety auditors who understand the real-world complexity of risk management. The system evaluates your HSE performance across 76 elements, grouped into seven key areas:
- Organisational Context and Interested Parties
- Leadership and Worker Participation
- Risk Planning and Hazard Identification
- Operational Control and Preparedness
- Legal Compliance and Evaluation
- Performance Measurement and Review
- Continuous Improvement
HSE/OHS Audits consider both qualitative effort (what systems are in place) and quantitative experience (real-world incident data, including DIFR). The result is a star grading between 0 and 5 stars, with the highest performers qualifying for a NOSCAR Award.
Audit Approaches and Support
NOSA audits can be applied at different stages of your organisation’s safety journey, depending on your objectives and level of system maturity.
Baseline /
Gap Audit
A baseline audit is used to identify gaps within an existing system or prior to implementation.
It provides a detailed assessment of current practices against NOSA requirements, highlighting areas that require development. A full report is issued, but no star grading is applied.
Star-Grading
Audit
A star-grading audit is a full performance-based assessment conducted against the NOSA Five Star or Integrated system.
This audit evaluates both system implementation and real-world performance, resulting in a formal grading outcome. These audits are typically conducted annually, or more frequently where required.
Implementation Support and Resources
In addition to auditing, NOSA provides tools and support to assist organisations in implementing and sustaining their systems. This may include:
- NOSA Systems Kit (web-based templates and tools)
- Consultation and risk assessments
- Specialist support (e.g. fire, working at height, machine guarding, emergency planning)
- Internal training and system customisation
Audit Approaches and Support
NOSA audits can be applied at different stages of your organisation’s safety journey, depending on your objectives and level of system maturity.
Baseline /
Gap Audit
A baseline audit is used to identify gaps within an existing system or prior to implementation.
It provides a detailed assessment of current practices against NOSA requirements, highlighting areas that require development. A full report is issued, but no star grading is applied.
Star-Grading
Audit
A star-grading audit is a full performance-based assessment conducted against the NOSA Five Star or Integrated system.
This audit evaluates both system implementation and real-world performance, resulting in a formal grading outcome. These audits are typically conducted annually, or more frequently where required.
Implementation Support and Resources
In addition to auditing, NOSA provides tools and support to assist organisations in implementing and sustaining their systems. This may include:
- NOSA Systems Kit (web-based templates and tools)
- Consultation and risk assessments
- Specialist support (e.g. fire, working at height, machine guarding, emergency planning)
- Internal training and system customisation
NOSA China: A Global Standard in Action
NOSA’s credibility extends beyond South Africa’s borders. In China, major industrial and manufacturing players have adopted the NOSA Five Star System to strengthen workplace safety and meet international stakeholder expectations. It’s a clear signal that NOSA is not only globally relevant, but internationally respected. Want to showcase international credibility in tenders, ESG reports, or global audits? A NOSA HSE audit offers proof.
NOSA China: A Global Standard in Action
NOSA’s credibility extends beyond South Africa’s borders. In China, major industrial and manufacturing players have adopted the NOSA Five Star System to strengthen workplace safety and meet international stakeholder expectations. It’s a clear signal that NOSA is not only globally relevant, but internationally respected. Want to showcase international credibility in tenders, ESG reports, or global audits? A NOSA HSE audit offers proof.
NOSA 5 Star vs ISO: What’s the Difference?
Unlike ISO certification, which focuses on compliance with minimum standard clauses, NOSA audits evaluate the actual effectiveness of your health, safety and environmental systems. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | NOSA Five Star System | ISO Standards (e.g. ISO 45001/14001) |
| Focus | Risk-driven performance and continuous improvement | Basic system compliance (yes/no approach) |
| Outcome | Star grading (0–5 stars) + NOSCAR potential | Certification (pass/fail) |
| Depth of Audit | 76 elements assessed annually | Full clause coverage over 3-year cycle |
| Performance Data (e.g. DIFR) | Required and scored | Not mandatory |
| Industry-specific Addenda | Yes (e.g. mining, forestry, education) | No |
| Recognition | Local and international awards | Certification only |
Why NOSA?
The NOSA Five Star System is not a certification checklist – it’s a comprehensive, risk-driven auditing framework designed to evaluate both the effort and the outcome of your HSE / OHS management system. Recognised as a leading HSE / OHS compliance audit, it helps organisations go beyond minimum standards to achieve measurable safety and governance outcomes. Developed in South Africa and now applied globally, NOSA HSE / OHS audits are used to:
- Benchmark performance across multiple sites
- Guide continuous improvement efforts
- Strengthen compliance and governance
- Reduce incident rates and drive zero harm
NOSA 5 Star vs ISO: What’s the Difference?
Unlike ISO certification, which focuses on compliance with minimum standard clauses, NOSA audits evaluate the actual effectiveness of your health, safety and environmental systems. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | NOSA Five Star System | ISO Standards (e.g. ISO 45001/14001) |
| Focus | Risk-driven performance and continuous improvement | Basic system compliance (yes/no approach) |
| Outcome | Star grading (0–5 stars) + NOSCAR potential | Certification (pass/fail) |
| Depth of Audit | 76 elements assessed annually | Full clause coverage over 3-year cycle |
| Performance Data (e.g. DIFR) | Required and scored | Not mandatory |
| Industry-specific Addenda | Yes (e.g. mining, forestry, education) | No |
| Recognition | Local and international awards | Certification only |
Why NOSA?
The NOSA Five Star System is not a certification checklist – it’s a comprehensive, risk-driven auditing framework designed to evaluate both the effort and the outcome of your HSE / OHS management system. Recognised as a leading HSE / OHS compliance audit, it helps organisations go beyond minimum standards to achieve measurable safety and governance outcomes. Developed in South Africa and now applied globally, NOSA HSE / OHS audits are used to:
- Benchmark performance across multiple sites
- Guide continuous improvement efforts
- Strengthen compliance and governance
- Reduce incident rates and drive zero harm
About the NOSCAR Award
The NOSCAR is the highest recognition in the NOSA system and sets the benchmark for the industry in managing achieving HSE / OHS Risk Management excellence. It is reserved for companies that consistently achieve exceptional results in both risk management effort and experience – incident reduction. To qualify, organisations must:
- Score 95% or higher in their audit effort rating for three consecutive years
- Maintain an overall DIFR below 0.8, with no fatalities, permanent disabilities, irreversible diagnosed diseases or major environmental incidents
- Or win the industry category in the NOSA International Competition and meet above criteria
About the NOSCAR Award
The NOSCAR is the highest recognition in the NOSA system and sets the benchmark for the industry in managing achieving HSE / OHS Risk Management excellence. It is reserved for companies that consistently achieve exceptional results in both risk management effort and experience – incident reduction. To qualify, organisations must:
- Score 95% or higher in their audit effort rating for three consecutive years
- Maintain an overall DIFR below 0.8, with no fatalities, permanent disabilities, irreversible diagnosed diseases or major environmental incidents
- Or win the industry category in the NOSA International Competition and meet above criteria
Why Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Audits Matter
Why Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Audits Matter
Ready to Get Started?
Join the growing number of companies using NOSA 5 Star Audits to drive true HSE / OHS excellence. Each NOSA 5 Star HSE / OHS audit is designed to assess both system effort and real-world safety performance, supporting measurable compliance and risk reduction. Complete the form below and our team will guide you in selecting the appropriate NOSA audit system for your organisation.
Ready to Get Started?
Join the growing number of companies using NOSA 5 Star Audits to drive true HSE / OHS excellence. Each NOSA 5 Star HSE / OHS audit is designed to assess both system effort and real-world safety performance, supporting measurable compliance and risk reduction. Complete the form below and our team will guide you in selecting the appropriate NOSA audit system for your organisation.
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