General Safety Accreditation (GSA)
Industry support for your heavy vehicle compliance requirements
The heavy vehicle accreditation modules have changed, and having the right systems in place is more important than ever.
Introduced under the new Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme from 1 August 2026, General Safety Accreditation (GSA) provides the foundation for heavy vehicle accreditation in Australia. It places greater emphasis on having an effective Safety Management System (SMS) that is implemented, monitored and maintained across your business. This is irrespective of your business size, structure or operations.
For heavy vehicle operators, this means going beyond having policies and procedures on a shelf. Your business needs to demonstrate that safety risks are actively identified, managed and regularly reviewed, and that your safety systems are working in practice.
When is GSA required?
GSA is a mandatory accreditation module required for Operator’s wanting to obtain any of the new HVA modules: Mass, Maintenance and/or Fatigue. This includes those transitioning from any of the former NHVAS modules.
It can also be obtained as a standalone accreditation module for Operator’s needing/wanting to establish a certified Safety Management System (SMS). You do not need to nominate vehicles or drivers to establish this accreditation module.
How we can help
Navigating accreditation requirements can be time consuming and confusing, particularly when you are trying to keep your business operating and compliant.
As heavy vehicle compliance consultants, we help operators establish, implement and maintain the systems needed to support their accreditation requirements.
GSA requirements focus on:
❋ Leadership and CommitmentCompanies/Business must be able to demonstrate responsibility and accountability, development and implementation, resource allocation and safety culture.
❋ Risk Management Focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, risk controls, incident management and ongoing risk management.
❋ Assurance, Monitoring and Improvement Performance targets and indicators, monitor and review, continuous improvement and evidence are all key elements that must be demonstrated for GSA.
❋ People Fitness to drive, training and competency and communication are the key focus points in the ‘People’ requirement.
❋ Safety SystemsCompanies/Businesses must be able to achieve system integration, system coordination and integration with operations.
Our support can include:
Safety Management System development – establishing policies, procedures and supporting documents suited to your business and operations.
Accreditation preparation – helping you understand the requirements and prepare your documentation and supporting evidence for the audit process.
Implementation support – assisting you to put your systems into practice, so your staff understands their responsibilities and what is expected of them.
Ongoing compliance assistance – helping you maintain your documentation, review your procedures and keep your compliance systems up to date as requirements change.
Accreditation maintenance – providing ongoing guidance to help you monitor your systems, address identified gaps and prepare for future reviews and audits.
More than just paperwork
We understand that every transport business is different. Your compliance systems need to reflect the size, structure and operational risks of your business, rather than simply being a collection of generic documents.
Our approach is to help you establish practical systems that make sense for your business, support your Chain of Responsibility (CoR) obligations and help you demonstrate how safety is managed throughout your entire business.
Our team can help you understand what is required, and work with you to put the right processes in place, no matter where you are in the process.
Let us help you navigate GSA
You don't have to work through the accreditation requirements alone.
Contact our team to discuss your current accreditation, your business requirements and how we can assist you with establishing and maintaining your heavy vehicle compliance systems.