WHS statutory responsibilities for mining supervisors

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Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) is the cornerstone of safe operations in the mining sector, where the stakes are high, and the potential risks to workers and the environment are significant. Supervisors play a pivotal role in ensuring these safety standards are upheld, acting as the critical link between mine operators and on-site teams.

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In Western Australia, recent updates to the WHS legislation, including the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022, have introduced a comprehensive framework for safety compliance. Supervisors are now entrusted with even greater responsibilities to safeguard their teams and operations.

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What are WHS statutory responsibilities?

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Statutory responsibilities refer to the legal duties assigned to specific roles within the workplace, designed to ensure the health and safety of all workers. In the mining industry, these responsibilities are particularly significant due to the high-risk nature of the work environment. Supervisors, as statutory appointees, are accountable for implementing safety measures, managing hazards, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

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Under the WHS framework, statutory responsibilities in mining are detailed in the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022. These regulations outline the duties supervisors must undertake to minimise risks and ensure operations meet the required safety standards.

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At the core of statutory responsibilities for supervisors are the following key functions:

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• Compliance oversight: Supervisors act on behalf of mine operators to monitor and enforce adherence to WHS laws and internal safety policies.

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• Hazard identification and risk management: They are tasked with identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures to protect workers.

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• Worker supervision and guidance: Ensuring that workers are appropriately trained and supervised to perform their tasks safely.

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• Incident management: Overseeing reporting processes for any incidents, near misses, or emergencies and ensuring timely response and resolution.

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Legal framework governing supervisors in WA

Work Health and Safety Act 2020

The WHS Act establishes a comprehensive framework to protect the health, safety, and welfare of workers across all industries, including mining. It outlines the duties of various parties, such as employers, employees, and specifically, supervisors. Under the WHS Act, supervisors are recognised as 'officers' and are therefore obligated to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complies with its health and safety duties. This includes staying informed about WHS matters, understanding the operations and associated hazards, and ensuring appropriate resources and processes are in place to manage risks.

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Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022

Complementing the WHS Act, the WHS Mines Regulations provide specific provisions tailored to the mining sector. These regulations detail the requirements for managing risks associated with mining operations, including the development and implementation of a Mine Safety Management System (MSMS). The MSMS is a structured plan that outlines how health and safety will be managed on-site, encompassing hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures. Supervisors play a critical role in the MSMS by ensuring that safety protocols are followed and that workers are adequately trained and supervised.

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Mine Safety Management System (MSMS)

The MSMS is a pivotal component of the WHS Mines Regulations, serving as the blueprint for safe mining operations. It includes:

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• Health and safety policy: The mine operator's commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

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• Risk management procedures: Processes for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures.

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• Emergency plans: Preparedness strategies for potential emergencies, ensuring swift and effective responses.

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• Training and supervision: Protocols to ensure workers are competent and adequately supervised in their roles.

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Key responsibilities of mining supervisors

1. Workplace inspections and risk management

Supervisors are responsible for conducting regular workplace inspections to identify hazards and assess risks. These inspections are a proactive measure to ensure potential threats are managed before they escalate. Key tasks include:

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• Inspecting equipment, tools, and work environments for compliance with safety standards.
• Identifying and documenting hazards using risk assessment frameworks.
• Implementing and monitoring control measures to reduce risk exposure.

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Example: A supervisor might identify loose rock in an underground mine and ensure it is stabilised promptly to prevent potential collapse.

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2. Training, supervision, and worker oversight

Effective training and supervision are fundamental to maintaining a skilled and safety-conscious workforce. Supervisors are required to:

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• Ensure all workers have completed mandatory WHS training and are competent in their roles.
• Provide clear instructions and guidelines for safe task execution.
• Monitor worker performance and intervene when unsafe practices are observed.

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Example: Supervisors should regularly review worker knowledge on handling hazardous materials to ensure compliance with safety protocols.

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3. Incident reporting and emergency preparedness

Supervisors must act swiftly and decisively during incidents and emergencies. Their duties in this area include:

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• Reporting incidents, near misses, and injuries in compliance with WHS regulations.
• Overseeing emergency drills and ensuring workers understand evacuation procedures.
• Coordinating responses to incidents, including communication with emergency services.

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Example: In the event of a machinery malfunction, the supervisor ensures the area is secured, the incident is reported, and necessary repairs are initiated.

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4. Plant and substances management

Mining supervisors oversee the safe use, storage, and maintenance of plant and substances on-site. Responsibilities include:

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• Ensuring machinery and equipment are inspected and maintained regularly.
• Managing the safe storage and handling of hazardous substances, such as explosives or chemicals.
• Verifying compliance with regulations for plant operation and hazardous substance use.

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Example: Before commissioning a new excavator, the supervisor ensures it has undergone a safety inspection and operators are trained in its use.

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5. Promoting worker health and well-being

Supervisors also play a role in promoting a safe and supportive work environment by:

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• Monitoring workers for signs of fatigue, stress, or other health concerns.
• Encouraging open communication about safety and well-being.
• Addressing worker concerns promptly to maintain morale and productivity.

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Example: A supervisor noticing signs of heat stress in a worker on an open-pit mine site might adjust schedules to limit exposure during peak heat hours.

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Transition to new WHS regulations: what supervisors need to know

Recognising the need for a smooth transition, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) established transitional provisions for appointing statutory supervisors.

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Following the commencement of the WHS Act on 31 March 2022, individuals holding equivalent roles under previous legislation could be appointed as statutory supervisors for a transitional period ending on 30 March 2025.

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To provide additional time for compliance, this period has been extended to 30 March 2026. This extension allows current supervisors to meet the new eligibility criteria without disrupting ongoing operations.

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Eligibility criteria post-transition

After 30 March 2026, all appointed statutory supervisors must fulfill specific eligibility requirements as outlined in the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022:

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• Completion of approved training: Supervisors are required to complete designated units of competency in risk management and legislation. These units ensure that supervisors possess the necessary knowledge to manage safety effectively.

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• Passing the legislation examination: A mandatory examination assesses the supervisor's understanding of the WHS Act and Mines Regulations, ensuring they can apply legal requirements in practical scenarios.

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Documentation and appointment processes

On top of all this, proper documentation must be completed in the appointment of statutory supervisors:

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• Written acceptance: Supervisors must formally accept their appointments in writing, which can include emails or signed documents. Verbal acknowledgments are insufficient.

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• Record-keeping: Appointments should be meticulously recorded within the MSMS to ensure transparency and compliance during audits.

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Using safety management software to simplify compliance

A robust Mine Safety Management System is essential for supervisors to meet their WHS statutory responsibilities effectively. By adopting safety management software, supervisors can centralise their compliance efforts, streamline processes, and ensure that all safety measures are implemented consistently and efficiently.

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With myosh, you can take control of your WHS obligations. Designed specifically for high-risk industries like mining, the myosh safety management software makes it easy to manage risks, track incidents, and stay compliant—all in one place.

‍Start your free trial today and see how myosh can help your mine site thrive with confidence.