When must a Site Senior Executive appoint a competent individual in the event of a temporary absence?

The requirement for a Site Senior Executive (SSE) to appoint a competent individual during a temporary absence is closely tied to the specific responsibilities that come with supervision in risk areas. In mining operations, risk areas refer to sections of the mine or activities posing significant safety or health risks. If the SSE's role includes overseeing such areas, it becomes crucial to ensure that competence is maintained even in their absence to uphold safety standards and manage risks effectively.

In this context, appointing someone who is competent to perform the necessary supervision of these risk areas ensures that operations can continue safely and without interruption. This reflects the overarching principle of maintaining safety by ensuring that all necessary oversight and decision-making is conducted by individuals qualified for the task. Consequently, the focus on supervisory roles in risk-laden contexts underscores the importance of competence to mitigate potential hazards, thus making this option the correct choice.