Schedule 26 position
Underground Supervisor — coal
Supervise the underground coal area allocated by the Underground Manager (coal).
THE LEGISLATION EXAM IN NUMBERS
- 55questions: 15 mandatory, 20 general, 20 on the Underground Supervisor (coal) role
- 3 hoursin one sitting
- 80%to pass: 44 of 55
- Open bookyour own printed WHS Act and Mines Regulations, tabbed and highlighted within WorkSafe's rules
Published by WorkSafe WA (legislation examinations FAQ). The exam pass is one requirement among several; appointment to the position is a separate step by the mine operator.
APPOINTMENT
Check the role and eligibility.
Appointment is for a defined supervised area. Clause 10(4) requires a coal FCMM or deputy’s certificate for underground coal mines.
Read Schedule 26 clause 10 and current WorkSafe competency guidance before appointment.
A qualification, official exam pass and written mine appointment are separate things. Confirm your appointed place, functions and alternate arrangements.
WORKING INTERFACES
Who the role works with.
- The Underground Manager (coal) allocates the area and directs operations.
- Coordinates with the incoming supervisor and relevant ventilation and operational personnel.
LEGAL FUNCTIONS
What the position is responsible for.
- Supervise the allocated area under the Underground Manager (coal).
- Assess task safety so far as reasonably practicable and allocate work.
- Inspect working and travel areas, control relevant worker hazards and provide written handover when replaced.
Schedule 26 clause 10 · r. 630 · r. 634A
PRACTICAL SHIFT ROUTINE
Daily prompts to adapt to your site.
- Review the coal-mine handover and current operating restrictions.
- Check the assigned area, work allocation and inspection findings.
- Record abnormal conditions, escalations and written handover.
PQM suggested workflow — adapt to site arrangements; not a universal daily legal frequency. Inspection timing is risk-based; these prompts are not a universal statutory daily checklist.
WHEN AN INCIDENT OCCURS
Work through the site emergency plan.
Raise the alarm and escalate to the Underground Manager (coal). Apply the mine’s withdrawal and emergency procedures; gas, fire and other technical response decisions require the authorised site process.
Open incident first actionsSOURCE & REVIEW
Read the controlling source.
Schedule 26 clause 10 · r. 630 · r. 634A
- WA legislation: current WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022
- WorkSafe: demonstrating competency
- WorkSafe: emergency plan for mining operations
Overview of the role-specific functions. Other WHS duties and site procedures may also apply. Sources checked 2026-10-05. Editorial summary awaiting independent professional review. Check current law, your written appointment and site procedures.
NEXT STEP