Mining Supervisor S123 | ONLINE

Nationally Recognised Units of Competency (S123 / G189)

If you supervise workers on a Queensland mine site, the Coal and Metalliferous Mining Safety and Health Advisory Boards require you to hold three specific units of competency. We cover these three nationally accredited units in this online course.

Upon completing the training, you earn the S123 (also known as G189) competencies. You need these competencies to work as a Site Supervisor or a Site Safety and Health Representative (SSHR).

• RIIRIS301E  Apply risk management processes
• RIIWHS301E Conduct safety and health investigations
• RIICOM301E  Communicate information

S123 Online Course Description

The Mining Supervisor S123 (also known as G189) online course provides experienced resource workers with the risk management, incident investigation, and communication skills they need to lead a team on a mine site.

If your employer appoints you to a supervisory role in the Queensland resources sector, you must hold these specific competencies to direct other workers safely and legally.

MEETING QUEENSLAND LEGISLATION

The Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee formally recognise this training program. When you successfully complete the course, you meet the legal requirements for site supervisors outlined in two key pieces of state legislation:

• s.56 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999
• s.51 of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999

KEEPING YOUR QUALIFICATIONS CURRENT

Once you earn your S123 competencies, you need to keep them valid. The Queensland Government requires supervisors to refresh these units at least every five (5) years. If you already hold these qualifications and simply need to update them, you can complete our distance-learning Supervisor 123 Refresher Program.

ALTERNATIVE TRAINING OPTIONS

Because this is a distance learning course, you must have access to a current resource site and a manager who can sign off on your practical workplace evidence.

If you do not currently have access to a mine site, or if you simply prefer classroom learning, you can book our 2-Day Face-to-Face Mining Supervisor S123 Course.

We also offer a comprehensive 5-day Supervisor’s package at our training facilities. This intensive block runs from Monday to Friday and includes your Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction, the S123 course, and the G2 Risk Facilitator program. Contact our office to arrange this package by email to info@ohsa.com.au

Who Needs the S123 (G189) Qualification?

We designed this online course for experienced resource sector workers transitioning into leadership, supervisory, or safety roles in Queensland. If your site appoints you to direct or supervise other workers, the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee requires you to hold the S123 (G189) qualification.

ROLES THAT REQUIRE S123 TRAINING

This training is essential if you currently work as, or are transitioning into, one of the following positions:

• Appointed Site Supervisors: Workers who oversee crew operations, manage daily site hazards, and ensure their team follows safety rules on a Queensland coal or metalliferous mine.
• Site Safety and Health Representatives (SSHRs): Elected or appointed team members who advocate for worker safety, help investigate workplace incidents, and communicate safety protocols to the crew.
• Contractor Managers and Superintendents: Leaders who manage external contracting teams or oversee specialised projects on an active mine site.
• Future Leaders: Experienced machinery operators, tradespeople, or general mine workers who want to step into a supervisory capacity.

EXPERIENCE AND INDUCTION REQUIREMENTS

To complete the practical assessments in this online format, you need recent, hands-on experience working in the resources sector. You should also hold a current worker-level mining induction, such as the Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction.

Because you will study via distance learning, you must have access to current workplace safety documentation (like JSAs and incident reports). You will also need a current supervisor or manager who can verify your practical skills on site.

If you do not have recent site experience or access to a supervisor to sign off on your tasks, we recommend booking our classroom-based 2-Day Face-to-Face Mining Supervisor S123 Course.

What You Will Learn

This online program focuses on the practical, day-to-day duties of a site supervisor in the Queensland resources sector. We have structured the curriculum to help you build the hands-on skills and legislative knowledge you need to manage safety effectively.

Throughout the training, you will work through three core operational areas:

1. RISK MANAGEMENT

You will learn how to manage site risks proactively to protect your crew and maintain legal compliance. In this module, you will focus on:

• Identifying Hazards: Using practical techniques to spot workplace hazards and thoroughly analyse potential risks.
• Implementing Controls: Selecting, applying, and monitoring strong risk control measures to keep your team safe.
• Applying Supervisory Skills: Using core risk management concepts to legally and effectively supervise workers in high-risk environments.

2. INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

When a workplace incident occurs, you need a clear analytical framework to respond properly. This module shows you how to manage the aftermath of an incident, prevent future occurrences, and meet statutory reporting requirements. You will learn how to:

• Gather Evidence: Secure an incident scene and collect accurate evidence following a health and safety event.
• Analyse Root Causes: Review information to find both the immediate contributing factors and the underlying root causes of the incident.
• Make Preventive Recommendations: Formulate compliance-driven recommendations for management to reduce the risk of the incident happening again.

3. COMMUNICATE INFORMATION

A safe site relies on clear and authoritative communication. This module helps you develop the essential soft skills and leadership techniques you need as a supervisor. You will practice how to:

• Supervise a Team: Apply clear communication strategies to direct and oversee a mining crew effectively.
• Run Toolbox Talks: Structure and deliver impactful daily shift pre-start meetings and toolbox talks.
• Negotiate in the Workplace: Navigate difficult discussions, resolve team conflicts, and negotiate safety outcomes on site.

HOW YOU WILL COMPLETE THE CONTENT ONLINE

Because you are completing this course via distance learning, you will work through the theory for these three modules online at your own pace. To demonstrate your practical skills, you will also need to record specific communication tasks, participate in interviews with your assessor if required, and submit a portfolio of recent workplace evidence (such as JSAs and incident reports you have helped complete).

Online Course Requirements & Prerequisites

Because this course is delivered online, you must meet specific workplace, technology, and eligibility requirements to complete your practical assessments successfully.

WORKPLACE ACCESS AND PRACTICAL EVIDENCE

To prove your practical competency remotely, you must gather evidence from a real work environment. You need:

• Recent Industry Experience: Access to a current resources site (Coal, Metalliferous, Drilling, Exploration, or Civil Infrastructure) or recent experience working on a site within the last 12 months.
• Supervisor Testimonial: A current supervisor or manager who can provide a third-party testimonial verifying your ability to carry out specific safety tasks on site.
• Site Documentation: Access to completed workplace documents that you helped create or deliver. This includes past pre-start meetings or toolbox talks, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) or Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and workplace incident reports.
• Statutory Declaration: You must submit a statutory declaration, witnessed by a Justice of the Peace (JP) or Commissioner of Declarations, confirming that your workplace evidence is authentic and that you completed the online assessments yourself.

Important Note: If you are no longer employed at a resource project, or if you cannot get a manager to sign off on your site documentation, you will not be able to complete this distance-learning option. We highly recommend booking our classroom-based 2-Day Face-to-Face S123 Course.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

To access the learning materials and submit your assessments, you must have:

• A reliable computer with a stable internet connection and access to a printer.
• Basic computer skills to navigate the online learning portal.
• A device to record video and audio for specific communication tasks (such as recording a mock toolbox talk).
• The capability to participate in video conferencing or FaceTime interviews with your Trainer and Assessor, if they require further verification of your skills.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), OHSA requires all students to meet the following baseline criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to enrol.
• Visa Status: You must not be on a student visa or be the partner of someone on a student visa.
• Identification: You must provide clear photographic identification, such as an Australian Driver’s Licence or Passport, when requested.
• Literacy and Numeracy: You need foundational English skills to read, interpret, and understand Queensland safety legislation, workplace instructions, and incident reports.
• Course Timeframe: You have a maximum of six (6) weeks to complete all coursework and submit your assessments once you receive your enrollment confirmation and login details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long does the online course take? The coursework usually takes about 16 to 24 hours of self-paced study to finish. Once we send your login details and enrolment paperwork, you have a maximum of six (6) weeks to complete all your modules and submit your practical assessments.
• What is the difference between S123 and G189? There is no difference. Both terms refer to the exact same three mandatory units of competency (RIIRIS301E, RIIWHS301E, and RIICOM301E) that you need to hold to legally supervise workers on a Queensland mine site.
• Do I need to be currently working on a mine site to do the online course? Yes. To pass the practical assessments via distance learning, you must submit real workplace documents (like JSAs and incident reports you helped complete) and have a current supervisor sign a testimonial verifying your skills. If you do not have access to a site or a supervisor, you need to attend our classroom-based 2-day Face-to-Face S123 course instead.
• How often do I need to renew my S123 competencies? Queensland legislation requires you to refresh your S123 competencies at least every five (5) years. If you already hold the full qualification and just need to update it, you can take our shorter online Supervisor 123 Refresher Program.
• How will you assess me online? You will answer theory questions in our online portal, record short videos or audio clips of yourself performing communication tasks (like a toolbox talk), and upload a portfolio of your recent workplace documents. You must also submit a Statutory Declaration, witnessed by a Justice of the Peace (JP) or Commissioner of Declarations, confirming that the work you submit is your own.
• What equipment do I need to complete the training? You need a reliable computer, a steady internet connection, and a printer. You also need a smartphone or webcam to record your communication assessments, and you may need to join a FaceTime or Zoom call with your assessor if they need to verify your skills.
• Are there any age or visa requirements? Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to enrol in this course. Due to government training regulations, we cannot accept students who are currently on a student visa, or who are the partner of someone on a student visa.
• How much does the online S123 course cost? The online, self-paced course costs $549.00.
• When do I get access to the course after I book? After you book online, we will email you a link to our enrolment form. Once you complete the enrolment and pay your course fees, we will email your system logins. If you book after hours, on a weekend, or on a public holiday, we will send your coursework on the next business day.
• What if I get stuck or have questions while studying online? Even though the course is self-paced, our OHSA training team is here to support you. If you need clarification on an assessment question or help navigating the online portal, you can contact our office during standard business hours for guidance.