Who is responsible for appointing the Site Senior Executive (SSE)?

The responsibility for appointing the Site Senior Executive (SSE) at a coal mine lies with the coal mine operator. The SSE plays a crucial role in ensuring the operational safety and compliance of the mining site. This position is essential for instilling a culture of safety, maintaining regulatory compliance, and overseeing the overall operations of the site. The coal mine operator, as the entity in charge of the mine’s activities and management, is best positioned to select an SSE who aligns with the operational goals and safety standards necessary for the site.

In contrast, the government regulator does not appoint the SSE, but rather sets the regulations and standards that the operator must adhere to. Workers' safety representatives, while instrumental in advocating for safety measures and representing workers' concerns, do not hold the authority to make appointments within the operational hierarchy. Similarly, external auditors are responsible for assessing compliance and performance but do not have a role in the direct appointment of key personnel such as the SSE. Thus, the correct answer aligns with the foundational principle of management accountability and oversight within the mining industry.