Mining Supervisor S123

Nationally Recognised Units of Competency (S123 / G189)

To meet the stringent requirements of the Queensland resources sector, this course is built upon three mandatory, nationally accredited units of competency. These specific units have been mandated by the Coal and Metalliferous Mining Safety and Health Advisory Boards for any individual authorised to supervise workers in a mine.

Successfully completing this training grants you the S123 (also known as G189) competencies required for statutory supervisor and Site Safety and Health Representative (SSHR) roles.

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

Mandatory Mining Supervisor S123 Training

Step into a leadership role with confidence. The Mining Supervisor S123 course (also known as G189) is a mandatory requirement for anyone stepping into a supervisory role within the Queensland resources sector.

This comprehensive 2-day program is designed to equip you with the essential risk management, incident investigation, and communication skills needed to lead a team safely on site. It strictly meets the statutory requirements for the position of Supervisor in the Resources Industry, ensuring you and your site remain fully compliant with Queensland law.

LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

This training is formally recognised by both the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee. Completing this course ensures you meet the supervisory requirements outlined in:

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

The program comprises three specific units of competency mandated by the Coal and Metalliferous Mining Safety and Health Advisory Boards for any person authorised to supervise workers in a mine.

5-YEAR REFRESHER REQUIREMENT

Note: Once you hold your S123 competencies, you must keep them current. As per Reg. 84 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (Qld), these competencies must be refreshed at least every 5 years. OHSA offers a convenient online/distance learning format for this refresher. It requires the submission of a brief theory assessment, along with a portfolio of recent workplace evidence.

FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER: THE 5-DAY SUPERVISOR’S PACKAGE

Looking to complete all your site requirements at once? Supervisors can opt for our comprehensive 5-day supervisor’s package. Contact the office for the course schedule.  This intensive block runs over 5 consecutive days and includes:

• Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction
• Mining Supervisor S123 (G189)
• G2 Risk Facilitator

Who is the Mining Supervisor S123 Course For?

This course is specifically designed for experienced resources sector workers stepping into leadership, supervisory, or statutory safety roles within Queensland.

Because the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee mandates these specific competencies, you must hold the S123 (G189) qualification if you are appointed to direct or supervise other workers on a mine site.

This training is essential for:

• Appointed Site Supervisors: Any individual formally tasked with overseeing crew operations, managing site hazards, and ensuring team compliance on a Queensland coal or metalliferous mine.
• Site Safety and Health Representatives (SSHRs): Elected or appointed representatives responsible for advocating for worker safety, investigating incidents, and communicating safety protocols.
• Contractor Managers & Superintendents: Leaders managing external teams or specialised projects on an active mine site who must meet the principal hazard management plan requirements.
• Future Leaders: Experienced machinery operators, tradespeople, or general mine workers (holding a Standard 11) who are actively transitioning into a supervisory capacity.

A Quick Note on Experience: To get the most out of this course and successfully complete the assessments, candidates should ideally already have recent, practical experience working in the resources sector and hold a current worker-level mining induction (such as the Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction).

What You Will Learn in the S123 (G189) Program

This comprehensive 2-day course is highly practical and structured around the real-world responsibilities of a site supervisor in the Queensland resources sector.

The curriculum is specifically designed to ensure you develop the hands-on skills and legislative knowledge required to meet the three mandatory units of competency. Throughout the training, you will focus on three core operational areas:

1. RISK MANAGEMENT:

• RIIRIS301E  Apply risk management processes

Learn how to proactively protect your crew and maintain site compliance by mastering risk management processes. Focus areas include:

• Hazard Identification: Techniques for the appropriate identification of workplace hazards and comprehensive analysis of risk.
• Implementing Controls: The selection, implementation, and monitoring of robust risk control measures.
• Supervisory Application: How to use core risk management concepts to effectively and legally supervise workers in high-risk environments.

2. INCIDENT INVESTIGATION:

• RIIWHS301E  Conduct safety and health investigations

Develop the analytical framework needed to respond to workplace incidents, ensuring you can prevent future occurrences and meet statutory reporting requirements. Focus areas include:

• Evidence Gathering: Best practices for securing a scene and collecting accurate evidence following a health and safety incident.
• Root Cause Analysis: Appropriate analysis of information to identify both the immediate causes (contributing factors) and the underlying (real) root causes.
• Preventative Recommendations: Making appropriate, compliance-driven recommendations to management to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.

3. COMMUNICATE INFORMATION:

• RIICOM301E Communicate information

A safe site relies on clear communication. This module develops the essential soft skills and leadership communication techniques required for supervisors. Focus areas include:

• Team Supervision: Clear communication strategies for directing and supervising a mining team effectively.
• Toolbox Talks: Structuring and delivering impactful shift pre-start meetings and daily toolbox talks.
• Workplace Negotiation: Essential skills for navigating discussions, resolving conflicts, and negotiating safely within the workplace.

Course Requirements & Prerequisites

Before enrolling in the Mining Supervisor S123 course, candidates must meet specific industry, age, and visa requirements to ensure they are eligible for this nationally accredited safety training.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE & PRIOR TRAINING

To successfully complete the assessments and get the most value from this supervisor-level program, participants should:

• Hold Current Inductions: Ideally, possess a current worker-level mining induction, such as the Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction or other site-based induction
• Have Industry Experience: Have recent, practical experience working within the resources and mining sector.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

As a registered training organisation (RTO), OHSA strictly adheres to the following enrollment conditions:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to register. OHSA does not provide training for individuals under the age of 18.
• Visa Status: Due to government training regulations, students must not be on a student visa or be the partner of someone on a student visa.
• Identification: All participants must provide valid, government-issued photographic identification (e.g., an Australian Driver’s Licence or Passport) prior to commencing the course.

LITERACY, NUMERACY & PHYSICAL CAPACITY

Participants must possess foundational English literacy and numeracy skills. Specifically, you need the ability to read, interpret, and understand workplace safety instructions, QLD legislation, and incident reports.

Participants must have the physical capacity to attend and participate in a standard, classroom-based training program.

FITNESS FOR DUTY & CLASSROOM POLICY

Safety starts in the classroom. No student will be permitted to undertake the course or any session if they are impaired. This includes being under the influence of alcohol, illegal/illicit substances, or experiencing impairment from prescribed medication, or severe fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the Mining Supervisor S123 course? The Mining Supervisor S123 course (often referred to as G189 or MSSS) is a nationally accredited training program designed for workers stepping into supervisory roles within the resources sector. It covers essential skills in risk management, incident investigation, and workplace communication.
• Is the S123 (G189) training mandatory in Queensland? Yes. If you are appointed as a Site Supervisor or a Site Safety and Health Representative (SSHR) on a Queensland mine, holding the S123 competencies is a mandatory statutory requirement. It complies with s.56 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and s.51 of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999.
• What specific units of competency are included? The course comprises three mandatory units mandated by the Safety and Health Advisory Committees:

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

• How often do I need to refresh my S123 competencies? Under Queensland legislation (Reg. 84 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017), supervisors are required to refresh their S123 competencies at least every five (5) years. OHSA offers a convenient online/distance learning refresher program to help you maintain compliance.
• Can I complete the Mining Supervisor S123 course online? Yes, OHSA provides an online learning option. Please note that the online option requires you to submit a brief theory assessment alongside a portfolio of workplace evidence, as well as a declaration witnessed by an approved person under the Commonwealth Statutory Declarations Act 1959.
• How long does the face-to-face course take? The standard face-to-face Mining Supervisor S123 course runs for two (2) days, typically from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• How much does the S123 course cost? The 2-day face-to-face course delivered at our Brisbane training facility costs $695.00.
• What are the prerequisites to book? Participants must be at least 18 years old and must not be on a student visa (or be the partner of someone on a student visa). Ideally, candidates should already hold a current worker-level induction (such as Standard 11) and have recent practical experience working on a resource site.
• What is the 5-Day Supervisor’s Package? For those needing complete site compliance quickly, OHSA offers a fast-tracked 5-day package. This block runs over five consecutive days and bundles the Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction, the Mining Supervisor S123 (G189), and the G2 Risk Facilitator courses together.