What Is Schedule 26 and Who Needs It?

In Western Australia, the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 brought in Schedule 26, which reshaped the requirements for statutory supervisors in mining. This change affects managers, frontline supervisors, and individuals who want to step into leadership roles across the sector. Understanding what Schedule 26 means, and how to meet its training requirements, is crucial for both compliance and career progression.

This article explains what Schedule 26 is, who it applies to, the training involved, and how you can book a place on the Mining Supervisor Course with Future Institute of Australia.

What Is Schedule 26 in WA?

Schedule 26 sets out the rules for statutory supervisor positions. These are legally mandated roles responsible for health and safety on mining sites. If you are appointed to one of these roles, you must hold the competencies outlined in the schedule, or your employer may face penalties.

It effectively replaces the older Section 44 supervisor framework, aligning WA’s mining obligations with the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022. By doing so, it raises the bar for workplace safety accountability and ensures supervisors have the knowledge and skills to manage risk effectively.

Who Needs Schedule 26 Training?

Not everyone on a mine site will fall under Schedule 26, but if you supervise workers or are responsible for health and safety, chances are you do. The schedule applies to:

• Statutory supervisors who must legally hold the required competencies
• Site managers and leaders overseeing teams
• Contractors or smaller operators working within WA mining projects

If you want to progress into a supervisory role in WA mining, having Schedule 26 training is essential. It shows employers you’re not only compliant but also capable of managing safety effectively.

Requirements for a Statutory Supervisor

Becoming a statutory supervisor is more than holding a title. Under Schedule 26, you need to show both formal training and practical competence.

Supervisors are responsible for:

• Implementing and monitoring WHS policies and programs
• Managing risks, including hazard identification and control
• Keeping accurate WHS records and reporting incidents
• Consulting with workers on safety matters

Transitional arrangements are in place until March 2026, but after that date, supervisors without the required competencies cannot legally hold statutory positions.

How the Training Works

Future Institute’s Mining Supervisor Course is designed to meet Schedule 26 requirements. It is delivered as a two-day workshop, either face-to-face at their training centre or onsite for groups of 10 or more.

During the course, participants complete both practical activities and assessments. Most assessments take place during the workshop, with some follow-up online. There are no strict entry prerequisites, although you will need access to a mining workplace or context for applying WHS responsibilities.

Topics include:

• WHS legislation and duty holders
• Risk assessment and hazard management
• Incident reporting and record keeping
• Effective consultation with workers

This training ensures supervisors are not only compliant but confident in applying WHS practices on the job.

Why Schedule 26 Matters for Employers and Individuals

For employers, Schedule 26 is about compliance and risk management. Having qualified supervisors in place reduces the chance of fines, enforcement action, or serious safety incidents. It also improves workplace culture and productivity by building a safer environment.

For individuals, the benefits are just as strong. Completing the course gives you nationally recognised Statements of Attainment for BSBWHS411 and BSBWHS414, which are highly valued by WA mining operators. It opens the door to supervisory roles and provides a clear path for career progression in the sector.

Investment and Booking

The course fee is $900 per person (GST free). You can book directly into public courses via the course calendar, or if you are an organisation, arrange for in-house training delivered at your site. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is also available for those with relevant industry experience.

Future Institute makes the process straightforward, with upcoming course dates published four months in advance. You can view all available sessions and book your place online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need qualifications to be a supervisor in mining?

Yes. Experience is important, but without the competencies required by Schedule 26, you cannot hold the role legally.

What does Schedule 26 training cover?

It covers risk management, WHS policies and procedures, hazard control, incident response, and consultation with workers, all in a mining context.

How do you become a mining supervisor?

You complete the Mining Supervisor Course (BSBWHS411 + BSBWHS414), pass the assessments, and are then recognised as competent to hold a statutory role.

What happened to Section 44 training?

Schedule 26 replaced Section 44 when the new WHS (Mines) Regulations came into force. The new system better aligns WA with national WHS requirements.

What happens if a site does not comply?

Non-compliance can result in fines, regulatory action, and legal risk if an incident occurs. Employers must ensure all statutory supervisors are trained and competent.

Is it hard to find work in mining without Schedule 26?

It’s increasingly difficult. Most WA operators now require this qualification as a minimum standard for supervisory roles.