Schedule 26 statutory supervisor course Information

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor an organisation’s work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area in order to meet legislative requirements.

The unit applies to those with supervisory responsibilities in a work area who have a broad knowledge of WHS policies and contribute well-developed skills in creating solutions to problems through analysis and evaluation of information from a variety of sources. They provide supervision and guidance to others and have limited responsibility for the output of others.

Contact Vortex Education today for your Statutory supervisor training and Schedule 26 course requirements.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to WHS risk management, which includes the processes for identifying work health and safety (WHS) hazards and assessing and controlling the risk relating to those identified hazards.

It involves contributing to the development, implementation and evaluation of risk controls according to legislative and organisational requirements.

The unit applies to those working in a broad range of roles across all industries. WHS hazard identification and risk control processes are those defined in written workplace procedures.

Contact Vortex Education today for your Statutory supervisor training and Schedule 26 course requirements.

While undertaking the Statutory supervisor training with Vortex Education you will learn the following:

INTRODUCTION TO WHS

• What is WHS?
• Why is WHS important? Trends in WHS
• WHS terminology

LEGISLATIVE AND ORGANISATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WHS

• Background to the legislative framework for WHS Legislative framework in Australia and WA
• WHS Act, Regulations, Codes of Practice and Guidance Materials
• Key government agencies with a role in WHS WHS management systems: policies, procedures and programs
• Working with your organisation’s WHS management system

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WHS

• Who is responsible for WHS? Duty of care
• Principles that apply to WHS duties Other duties, rights and obligations Enforcement of WHS legislation
• WHS TRAINING
• Identifying WHS training needs Some specific training needs
• Arranging to meet WHS training needs WHS training in the workplace Coaching and mentoring

WHS COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION

• Providing information to the work team WHS consultation
• Safety and health representatives Safety and health committees Toolbox meetings
• Monitoring consultative processes
• Dealing with issues raised through consultation

WHS RISK MANAGEMENT

• The risk management process Types of workplace hazards Hazard identification methods
• Recording and reporting workplace hazards Risk assessment

Risk control

• Practicability of control measures Hierarchy of risk control measures
• Monitoring and review of risk control measures Risk management tools

INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS

• Preparing for an inspection Conducting the inspection follow up Incidents and accidents Incident investigation
• Immediate causes and underlying causes Root cause analysis techniques

Types of WHS records

• Recording and reporting WHS incidents Writing an incident report
• Using aggregate WHS information and data

Contact Vortex Education today for your Statutory supervisor course Perth.

The Schedule 26 Course is a mandatory requirement for individuals seeking to fulfil statutory supervision duties within Western Australia’s mining and resources sector. It ensures supervisors have the skills, knowledge, and legal understanding necessary to meet the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022. The course covers critical responsibilities such as identifying hazards, implementing risk controls, monitoring workers, and overseeing safe systems of work. As part of the industry’s regulatory framework, the Schedule 26 Course provides supervisors with the capability to uphold high safety standards and demonstrate competency to regulators, inspectors, and employers. It is designed to protect workers, support safe operations, and reduce the likelihood of incidents in complex mining environments.

The Schedule 26 Course also builds the foundations for strong leadership and decision-making, particularly in high-risk environments such as underground operations, processing facilities, and mobile plant areas. By completing the course, supervisors gain a comprehensive understanding of legislative obligations, including duty of care, consultation requirements, and reporting notifiable incidents. This knowledge is essential because supervisors must demonstrate they can influence safety culture, enforce compliance, and coordinate risk-mitigation strategies. Employers rely on the Schedule 26 Course to ensure supervisory staff are trained to a consistent standard and are capable of managing WHS risks effectively. It enhances not only legal compliance but also operational efficiency and workplace accountability.

Another key aspect of the Schedule 26 Course is its emphasis on practical skills that supervisors need for day-to-day operations. Participants learn how to conduct workplace inspections, assess complex hazards, review Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and verify that control measures are maintained. The course explores real-world scenarios where supervisors must intervene, stop unsafe work, or escalate issues to management. Through case studies and practical activities, the Schedule 26 Course reinforces the importance of accurate record-keeping, evidence-based decision-making, and communication with workers and contractors. This ensures supervisors can effectively lead teams, follow WHS procedures, and make informed decisions that prevent harm.

A major outcome of the Schedule 26 Course is ensuring supervisors understand their personal legal exposure. Supervisory roles come with significant accountability, and individuals can be held personally liable if they breach duties under the WHS Act or fail to take reasonable steps to ensure safety. The course explains the legal consequences of negligence, the role of inspectors, and the importance of demonstrating due diligence. As mining operations become more complex, the expectations on frontline supervisors continue to grow. Completing the Schedule 26 Course equips supervisors with the confidence to apply legislation correctly, uphold compliance, and respond appropriately to incidents, investigations, or audits.

The Schedule 26 Course also plays a vital role in improving communication across all levels of a mine site. Supervisors learn how to deliver toolbox meetings, communicate risk controls, review worker competency, and manage contractor interactions. Clear and timely communication is essential for preventing incidents, especially during high-risk activities such as blasting, working at heights, or confined space entry. The Schedule 26 Course highlights how effective communication contributes to positive safety culture and helps workers understand their responsibilities. Participants learn how to provide direction, raise concerns, and promote safe work behaviours across diverse teams.

Another strength of the Schedule 26 Course is its integration of risk-management frameworks such as the hierarchy of controls, job hazard analysis, and incident-causation models. Supervisors are taught how to apply structured processes to identify risks, verify controls, and implement continuous improvement strategies. Mining environments are dynamic, and conditions can change rapidly, making risk management essential. The Schedule 26 Course therefore emphasises proactive leadership, encouraging supervisors to anticipate hazards, conduct pre-task planning, and ensure controls remain effective. This contributes to safer workplaces and reduces downtime caused by incidents or non-compliance.

Employers also benefit significantly when supervisors complete the Schedule 26 Course. Having properly trained supervisory staff reduces organisational risk, prevents costly incidents, and supports compliance with regulatory audits. Many employers view the completion of the Schedule 26 Course as a mark of professionalism and competency. It assists workforce planning, as supervisors who hold this qualification are better equipped to manage teams, respond to emergencies, and maintain safety standards. The training also helps organisations maintain their licence to operate by demonstrating that supervisory personnel meet statutory competency requirements under WA law.

Finally, the Schedule 26 Course continues to evolve to reflect changes in legislation, new technologies, and emerging risks within the mining industry. As mines adopt automation, digital monitoring, and remote operations, supervisory staff must stay current with safety requirements. The course ensures participants understand their obligations in both traditional and modern mining environments. Completing the Schedule 26 Course is not only a regulatory requirement, but also an investment in professional development, workplace safety, and long-term career progression. It prepares supervisors to uphold the highest safety standards, contribute to strong organisational culture, and maintain compliance in an industry where risk management is essential.