The Critical Importance of Statutory Supervisor Training and Site Executive WHS Training
Since the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 came into effect, all
explorations and operations have been required to appoint statutory supervisors.
People in these positions play a vital role in safety, operational continuity and compliance. Their responsibilities are broad, covering task management, hazards and safety interactions for all staff in their appointed area.
Thankfully, there is a transition period that gives miners until April 2026 to organise statutory supervisor training for people in these positions.
But we know from experience that 2026 will arrive sooner than expected. When the deadline comes, statutory supervisors must be trained, qualified and registered under the new legislation.
Ensuring statutory supervisors and site senior executives complete WHS training is not just a legal obligation but a crucial element in safeguarding the well-being of all employees.
Our comprehensive training will help you meet the requirements. But first, let’s examine your legal obligations and explore how site management safety training helps cultivate a strong safety culture.
Meeting the legal obligations of site management safety training
Statutory supervisors must be prepared to handle heightened risk levels within their work areas. The Regulations helpfully lay out what this means in practice in black and white.
Miners must appoint a statutory supervisor for each key working area, including:
- Processing plant
- Laboratory
- Quarry
- Workshop
- Anywhere else the position is necessary to reduce WHS risks
A statutory supervisor must be present in these areas whenever work is in progress. For
example, if there are two shifts in the processing plant, a statutory supervisor must be
present for both.
What qualifications and training are essential for statutory supervisors?
A person can be appointed as a statutory supervisor if they:
- Have 2+ years of experience in a supervisor position or as a worker in a similar
operation - Complete an approved WHS risk management Unit of Competency for statutory supervisors
- Pass the applicable Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) legislation
exam
These responsibilities dovetail into the requirements of the Work Health Safety Act (2020) and the subsequent WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022. Under these legislations, all mining and exploration operations must establish a functional Mine Safety Management System (MSMS).
What does statutory supervisor training entail?
Statutory supervisor training prepares the appointed people with a deep understanding of their responsibilities and the skills to apply risk management knowledge in real-world
scenarios.
This training is a requirement under the Regulations and crucial to helping supervisors understand the full scope of their responsibilities.
Ultimately, it keeps people safe in a hazard-prone mining operation.
Introduction to statutory supervision
Gain a comprehensive understanding of statutory supervision in Western Australia, including legal requirements, obligations, and the overall scope of the role.
Roles and responsibilities
Clearly define a statutory supervisor’s critical duties and expectations, ensuring a thorough
grasp of their specific responsibilities within the mining industry.
Safety management
Master the fundamentals of safety management systems, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and developing effective safety plans.
Compliance with regulations
Navigate the complexities of relevant Western Australian WHS regulations. Learn best
practices for achieving and maintaining compliance, including monitoring and reporting procedures.
Documentation and record-keeping
Develop the essential skills for accurate and thorough record-keeping. The program covers the types of documents required, their significance, and practical exercises to solidify your understanding.
Communication and teamwork
Enhance your ability to communicate effectively with your team. The course explores methods for building and leading a safety-focused team, equipping supervisors to be able to address conflict and solve problems collaboratively.
Incident management
Become prepared to respond effectively to incidents and emergencies. The training covers crucial investigation techniques, reporting procedures, and essential follow-up steps.
Where do Site Senior Executives enter the picture?
Site Senior Executives have a broad and important remit. Under the Regulations, they control and manage the mine and mining operations, and manage emergencies at the site. They also fulfil the statutory supervisor function for areas where no statutory supervisor is explicitly required.
This means that a Site Senior Executive must hold the same two Units of Competency that are required for a Statutory Supervisor, as well as one Unit of Competency that is specifically relevant to their own role. The Statutory Supervisor training is comprehensive and up-to-date with the Regulations, ensuring site senior executives have the skills and knowledge to keep their team safe.
Choosing the right training provider
Site management safety training shouldn’t be a matter of checking the boxes. The
Regulations are clear about the requirements for statutory supervisor training – and Site
Senior Executive WHS training by extension – because proper training keeps people safe.
There are a few things you should look for when choosing a statutory supervisor training
provider.
Compliance
Appointed statutory supervisors are required to complete two compulsory Units of
Competence:
- BSBWHS411 Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs
- BSBWHS414 Contribute to WHS risk management
They must also pass the DEMIRS legislation examination, a mandatory online exam.
Ensure your training provider offers a Statutory Supervisor Pre-exam preparation course to help you prepare for the DEMIRS exam. Make sure it covers this content to a high standard and updates course material to reflect legislative changes, current best practices and emerging risks.
Accreditation and recognition
Only a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can deliver and assess nationally recognised training and official qualifications in Australia.
Steer clear of non-RTO providers that offer statutory supervisor training but don’t mention certification. Always partner with an RTO like ATI-Mirage to ensure your training investment is backed up with accreditation.
Experienced trainers
In our experience, the ATI-Mirage model of small group workshops with hands-on activities is highly effective.
Participants don’t just gain a deep understanding of the WHS (Mines) Regulations and WHS Act, they also learn to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios and assess realistic risks.
Testimonials
Although the Regulations and requirements for statutory supervisor training are relatively new, a reputable training provider will have demonstrated experience in WHS training. Look for positive reviews and testimonials from past participants. Pay particular attention to reviews/testimonials mining industry courses to assess the provider’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
Are you ready to meet statutory positions safety training requirements?
Statutory supervisor training and site senior executive training is an investment in the safety of your workforce. The training is also essential to remain compliant under the WHS Act.
ATI-Mirage is a leading provider of WHS training in Perth.
We offer a range of WHS courses, including the Statutory Supervisor Course, Leading WHS for Supervisors and Managers, and Statutory Supervisor Pre-Exam Preparation.
Our experienced trainers and our practical learning approach will equip your appointed leaders with knowledge and hands-on practical skills, ensuring your operation meets the highest safety standards.
Stay informed, stay proactive, and invest in the safety of your workplace. See upcoming course dates or contact us to discuss specific training requirements.
