For anyone pursuing a mining career in Western Australia, statutory positions are critical. Two of the most recognised are Statutory Supervisor and Statutory Manager. While both ensure safe and compliant operations, they differ in scope, responsibility, and training requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of the distinction so you can choose the right pathway for your future in the industry.
What is a Statutory Supervisor?
A Statutory Supervisor is a frontline leader who ensures that day-to-day mining operations meet Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations. Supervisors are appointed for specific areas of responsibility, which may include underground operations, restricted quarry sections, electrical safety, noise monitoring, or air quality.
Their focus is operational and immediate, making sure workers follow procedures, risks are identified, and incidents are reported promptly.
If you’re pursuing a role with hands-on supervision, the Statutory Supervisor course equips you with skills in WHS policy implementation, risk management tools, and effective communication in high-risk environments.
What is a Statutory Manager?
A Statutory Manager, on the other hand, takes on a strategic leadership role. Managers are responsible for broader safety systems, long-term compliance strategies, and regulatory oversight. Their roles include site senior executive, exploration manager, quarry manager, or first-class mine manager.
Unlike supervisors, managers must demonstrate advanced capabilities in leading risk management, developing systems, and maintaining safety across the entire operation.
To prepare for these responsibilities, the Statutory Manager course covers advanced units such as RIIRIS501E, focusing on maintaining and improving WHS risk systems.
Training Requirements in Perth
The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) outlines different unit requirements:
- Supervisors complete foundational WHS units (e.g., implementing safety policies, contributing to risk management).
- Managers complete all supervisor units plus additional advanced units in leading WHS risk management.
Both courses are nationally recognised and regulator-approved, ensuring graduates are eligible for statutory appointment.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Statutory Supervisor | Statutory Manager |
| Scope | Specific areas of supervision | Whole-site or system-wide oversight |
| Focus | Operational safety, daily compliance | Strategic leadership, system development |
| Training | Foundational WHS units | Foundational + advanced risk management |
| Best For | Frontline roles, hands-on supervision | Senior leadership, long-term safety systems |
Which Path Should You Choose?
- If you see yourself supervising daily operations and directly supporting teams, the Statutory Supervisor course will give you the right foundation.
- If your goal is to lead entire safety systems and oversee compliance at the highest level, the Statutory Manager course is your pathway.
Both are valuable, but your choice depends on whether you want to remain closer to frontline operations or move into executive responsibilities.
Conclusion
While both roles are crucial to WA’s mining safety framework, the difference between a Statutory Supervisor and a Statutory Manager comes down to scope: supervisors manage daily compliance, while managers drive long-term systems and leadership.
QPTS delivers training in Perth tailored to each pathway, so you can meet regulatory standards and achieve your career goals.
Ready to advance your mining career? Contact Us today to enrol in the course that best matches your ambitions.
