Competency requirements for coal mining site senior executives updated

Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health and Chair of the advisory committee Kate du Preez said the update was implemented to strengthen the skills and experience of the most senior people at each mine site.

“Under the updated competencies, an SSE at a coal mine must have at least five years’ industry experience working at a coal mine in an operational or technical services role, of which at least two years must be in a supervisory role,” Kate said.

“This will ensure the people in the most senior roles have sufficient practical and operational experience to carry out their statutory duties under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999.

“This change also brings the competencies for coal mining SSEs into line with those required in mineral mines and quarries and provides further recognition of the breadth of skills expected of SSEs.”

Kate said it was important to note that all other previous competency requirements remain unchanged and the changes would not apply to anyone who currently holds an SSE notice or anyone who has applied to sit the SSE notice examination with the Board of Examiners.

The table of competencies recognised by the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee is published on the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health website.