Statutory supervisors play a critical role in Western Australia’s mining and resources industry, with legal responsibility for safety, risk management, and compliance on-site. To strengthen safety standards, WA has introduced mandatory training for these roles under Schedule 26 of the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022.
Statutory supervisors must complete updated statutory supervisor training before March 30, 2026, to remain compliant. Here, we explain what the training covers, who must complete it, and how to prepare for the coming changes.
What are Statutory Positions?
Western Australian WHS legislation requires mine operators to appoint suitably qualified and competent individuals to specific statutory roles outlined in Schedule 26 of the Regulations. These roles hold direct accountability for supervising safety-critical work across mining operations.
There is a wide range of appointed positions, including:
- Underground supervisor (non-coal): Oversees underground mining activities and ensures work is carried out safely within designated areas.
- Underground supervisor (coal): Manages underground coal operations, with a strong focus on ventilation, gas management, and high-risk controls.
- Restricted quarry manager: Supervises quarry operations and ensures safe extraction, processing, and equipment use.
- Statutory supervisor: Holds direct responsibility for safety management within a defined work area or operational zone.
- Mine air quality officer: Monitors air quality, dust, and atmospheric conditions to protect worker health.
- Noise officer: Manages noise risks and implements controls to reduce hearing-related hazards.
- Electrical supervisor: Oversees electrical installations and maintenance to ensure compliance and prevent electrical incidents.
You can access the full list of approved WHS risk management units for statutory positions through the relevant regulatory authority.
What is a Statutory Supervisor Course?
A statutory supervisor course in WA provides a formal qualification for supervisors and managers in mining and resource operations. It equips supervisors with the judgment and leadership skills required in regulated, high-risk environments.
WA mining WHS regulations require statutory supervisors to demonstrate a defined set of competencies:
- Risk management and hazard identification: Supervisors must understand how to identify hazards, assess risks, and apply effective control measures. Supervisors must also recognise changing site conditions and respond proactively.
- Incident investigation and reporting: The training teaches supervisors how to respond to incidents, conduct investigations, and report outcomes correctly. Proper incident management reduces the likelihood of recurrence and supports continuous improvement.
- Communication and leadership for safety: Supervisors learn how to communicate safety expectations clearly, consult with workers, and lead by example in high-risk environments.
- Legislative compliance and duty of care: Participants gain a clear understanding of their legal responsibilities under WA’s WHS (Mines) Regulations, including personal duties and organisational obligations.
Safety Risks in the Australian Mining Industry
In the last financial year, Western Australia recorded over $250 billion in mineral and petroleum sales. These figures demonstrate the scale and economic importance of mining operations across the state.
At the same time, mining remains one of Australia’s highest-risk industries. The sector records a fatality rate of 3.4 deaths per 100,000 workers, among the highest across all industries.
In 2024 alone, the mining industry recorded 10 fatalities, representing a 39% increase above the five-year average. These outcomes highlight the need for strong supervision and disciplined risk management in large-scale mining operations. Formal competency standards are essential for statutory roles that control high-risk activities.
Why the March 30, 2026 Deadline Matters
LGIRS requires all statutory supervisors to complete Schedule 26 training by March 30, 2026. The requirement applies across all Western Australian mining operations.
Training demand will increase as the deadline approaches. Early enrolment helps organisations secure places and reduce last-minute compliance pressure.
Learn more: Importance of WHS Training for Statutory Roles in Mining.
ATI-Mirage Schedule 26 Statutory Supervisor Training in WA
The Schedule 26 Statutory Supervisor Training is a three-day course that prepares supervisors to comply with the Western Australian Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022.
If you hold or plan to hold a statutory supervisor role, this course delivers the nationally recognised requirements under Schedule 26. The training uses structured, assessment-based learning aligned with WA regulations.
You learn how to apply your legal duties in real mining environments, with a focus on safety leadership, supervision, and compliance in high-risk work areas. The course combines practical learning with formal assessment to support confident decision-making.
Through practical assessment and applied learning, this course enables you to:
- Identify and manage hazards and risks
- Implement and monitor WHS systems and procedures
- Communicate safety expectations clearly
- Respond to incidents and emergencies
- Understand your responsibilities under Schedule 26
Flexible delivery and hands-on support reduce scheduling pressure as the deadline approaches.
Who Should Complete This Training?
Schedule 26 statutory supervisor training applies to a broad range of professionals in the mining and resources sector.
Supervisors, managers, and team leaders with responsibility for operational safety must complete the training to meet regulatory requirements. The requirement applies to individuals currently appointed to statutory positions under Schedule 26.
Organisations may also nominate emerging leaders or high-potential employees to complete the training as part of succession planning and workforce development.
Consequences of Not Meeting Schedule 26 Requirements
If statutory supervisors do not meet Schedule 26 eligibility requirements, mine operators must address the non-compliance. WorkSafe WA and LGIRS may identify issues through inspections and regulatory activities.
WorkSafe Mines Safety inspectors remain active in the WA mining sector. In one recent quarter, inspectors actively intervened through 152 regulatory actions, including 38 prohibition notices that immediately halted unsafe activity.
When regulators identify non-compliance, they may issue improvement or prohibition notices and restrict specific work activities until organisations achieve compliance.
Supporting Safer Mining Operations Through Schedule 26
Schedule 26 statutory supervisor training now forms a core requirement for supervisors and managers in Western Australia’s mining and resources industry. It plays a vital role in ensuring safety, leadership capability, and legal compliance across high-risk operations.
With the March 30, 2026, deadline approaching, early action is essential. Enrolling in ATI-Mirage’s statutory supervisor training helps you remain compliant, confident, and prepared to meet your statutory responsibilities while supporting safer, more effective worksites.
