WA Safety Regulation Systems Update

A reminder that the transition period relating to mines statutory positions within the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 is coming to an end on 30 March 2026. 

What does this mean for active mining operations? 

1. Key Statutory Roles

From 31 March 2026, the following Key Statutory Positions (and their alternates) must be formally appointed and notified to the regulator through the Safety Regulation System (SRS): 

• Site Senior Executive (SSE); and
• Exploration Manager.

For exploration tenement holders, the critical role is typically the Exploration Manager.

WorkSafe also encourages notification of other positions (where applicable), including Quarry Manager, Underground Manager, Radiation Safety Officer, and Underground Supervisor. 

If you are conducting exploration activities under a WA tenement, you must ensure an appropriately qualified Exploration Manager is appointed and notified in SRS.

2. Mine Safety Management System

All statutory appointments must be recorded in your Mine Safety Management System (MSMS). 

Your MSMS must:

• Identify the appointed statutory position holders;
• Reflect current, accurate appointments; and
• Align with SRS notifications.

This is both a governance and audit exposure issue.

3. Certification Requirements 

Anyone appointed to a statutory position must complete by 30 March 2026: 

1. The relevant WHS legislation exam; and
2. The relevant risk management training.

For positions requiring a Statutory Certificate, applicants transitioning from an existing Certificate of Competency must lodge all evidence before that date.

After 31 March 2026:

• Transition applications will not be accepted.
• Full Schedule 27 statutory certificate requirements will apply.

If your Exploration Manager (or SSE) is relying on an older Certificate of Competency, they must transition it before the deadline or meet the new full certification requirements.

Risks for Tenement Holders

If you are operating and:

• Do not have a properly appointed Exploration Manager;
• Have not notified via SRS;
• Have not ensured certification compliance; and/or
• Have not updated your MSMS,

you risk being non-compliant with the WHS (Mines) Regulations from 31 March 2026.

This can expose the tenement holder/operator to:

• Regulatory enforcement;
• Improvement notices;
• Potential prohibition of operations; and/or
• Governance risk during audits or inspections.